| People have a hard time with holidays and | | | | broccoli and carrots and other veggies (careful |
| overeating. It's a tough time of year for a lot of | | | | with the high calorie dips!) They also give you that |
| people, but by following a few basic tips, you can | | | | "crunch" that is so appealing in a snack! The key is |
| avoid putting on that proverbial "Holiday Weight". | | | | to eat healthy, slow and often. Make healthy |
| The average amount of weight gain over the | | | | decisions. Ask if you can bring a dish and make |
| holidays is typically only about 1 pound. However, | | | | this the healthy alternative! |
| the winter months can bring on a pound or two in | | | | Tip #4 |
| general and before you know it, your pants are | | | | If you are having dinner and the host is serving |
| fitting a bit snug. | | | | something that is not on your health plan, politely |
| Tip #1 | | | | say "it's not on my eating plan". If you feel that |
| Avoid thinking that the holidays are a time to | | | | they would be offended because "it's the |
| "take a break" from your healthy diet and | | | | holidays", just say that you are full and thank |
| exercise routine. Sometimes it can be too easy to | | | | them graciously. Keep an eye on your portions. |
| stay on that break and fall into unhealthy eating | | | | Tip #5 |
| habits. Avoid a whole lot of extra calories, small | | | | Avoid high calorie alcoholic beverages. Stick with |
| amounts of foods are best. Don't gorge! It's ok to | | | | club soda as a mixer, add lemon, lime or orange |
| taste, try different and yummy foods, but take | | | | wedges to make it more festive and add a flavor |
| into account the amount of calories that you are | | | | aroma. Light beer or a small glass of wine is best. |
| ingesting. If you follow a healthy eating plan, and | | | | A lot of holiday drinks can contain in upwards of |
| know what your goals are for your weight it will | | | | 300-500 calories! |
| help to visualize that. This will keep you in the right | | | | Tip #6 |
| frame of mind. | | | | Don't neglect your workout routine. It's easier to |
| Tip #2 | | | | keep it up than to start it again! Find ways to help |
| Don't starve yourself before you go to a holiday | | | | keep you motivated during the holidays and |
| party or dinner. This usually ends up backfiring, | | | | winter months. Find a site, or a buddy that can |
| you'll end up overeating because you are so | | | | keep you on track. Fitnessboard.net is an excellent |
| hungry. Eat smaller meals throughout the day and | | | | place to find the support you may need to |
| then eat a healthy snack before you leave for | | | | dialogue and keep your motivation. |
| the party. Snack on protein, like chicken or some | | | | Remember, to your body it's just another day. |
| cottage cheese. This will satisfy and help you to | | | | Keep up your routine and monitor your eating and |
| avoid overeating. | | | | portions. A healthy attitude will keep you in a |
| Tip #3 | | | | healthy state of mind. |
| Eat a lot of low calorie, high fiber foods, like | | | | |