by Cathleene Filmore

Created on: September 17, 2010   Last Updated: October 15, 2010

The holiday season can be fun however it can also add quite a few pounds if you’re not careful to keep holiday treats under control.  Before you know it you can consume quite a few calories in a short amount of time when you go from a pitch in at the office to a tapas party.  Add wine or mixed drinks and you can really get in trouble.

Plan Your Day

Before you leave your house in the morning it is important to have an idea of what you are going to consume for the day.  If you think someone may bring in an unexpected treat to the office then you may want to keep some low calorie snacksin your desk.  If there is a planned office pitch in then budget your calories for the day and pick and choose carefully.  If you have plans to go to a party in the evening then you will need to budget your calories more carefully during the day and have a plan for what you may want to eat at the party.  Do not try to starve yourself all day and then think you can control yourself when you are at the party that night. Eat a snack before you go to a tempting holiday partyand you will have much more will power to work with. 

Budget Calories for Your Favorite Foods

If you are going to a holiday dinner and you know that someone is going to bring your favorite bread pudding then plan to eat it.  The holiday season does only come around once a year.  Decide ahead of time what high calorie foods are really worth it to you and plan to eat those one or two items in moderation.  You will also want to Googlethe calorie count of your favorite holiday food and drinks.  Knowing how many calories, fat and sugar are in your favorite food and drinks will help you make better choices and give you more will power.  You may be surprised to find out that one of your favorites is low in calories or that when it is prepared a certain way it is much better for you.

Throw Your Own Bash

Catering your own holiday party can be a great way to keep holiday treats under control.  There are many personal chefsand caterers available that specialize in tasty, healthy, low calorie cuisine.  If you throughout the party you have the ability to control the menu.  Throwing a fun and healthy holiday party could put you on the holiday party circuit for years to come and your friends will love you for it.

Don’t Drink All Your Calories

Holiday cocktails and even non-alcoholic punches like mulled cider can pack quite a few calories.  Know how many calories are in your favorite holiday drinks and make sure you budget those as well.  If you love red wines then make sure you leave room in your daily calorie intakefor a couple of glasses.  Likewise you will want to load up on water with lemon throughout the holiday season to keep hydrated.  Holiday food and drinks are often much richer and spicier than the foods one is used to consuming so counterattack with plenty of hydration.

More Tips

Another great tip for controlling holiday treats is to be proactive by increasing your exercise.  If you normally walk three days per week then you may consider walking five just for the holiday season.  When you are planning to go to a holiday gathering, decide ahead of time how long you will stay.  Remember the longer you are there the longer you are likely to browse the food, so keeping your time short could help you save calories.  If the party involves a buffet then when you arrive, make one small plate of food and then do not go back for seconds.  Finally, keep yourself busy by socializing as far away from the food as possible.

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