Holidays

Do you usually gain five to ten pounds over the holidays? Eating traditions, limited time, heightened emotions, and an increased exposure to tempting foods can lead to extra pounds over the holidays, particularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What a tough way to begin the New Year! If you have battled the bulge in holidays past, challenge yourself this year to focus on a new lifestyle and implement the following strategies:


1. Plan ahead.
· Choose foods for you and your family that are an essential part of a particular holiday. You don't have to completely give up something that has been a tradition for generations! Cut back on other foods. Eat larger portions of lighter foods; smaller portions of heavier foods.
· Plan food preparation, the holiday meal itself and use of leftovers. Make the most tempting foods last to spare yourself!
· Holiday time is often an emotional time. Plan activities to avoid emotion-related eating-Decorate for the holidays, attend special holiday events, musicals, etc. Avoid eating alone if possible. If you know of someone else who may be eating alone, have him or her over for you own celebrations!
· Keep food stored out of sight.
· Get involved in fun activities and hobbies that are not centered around food. These activities could include compilation of picture albums and slides, playing card games, ping-pong, volleyball or basketball. You can also engage in physical activities such as taking a walk or riding a bike, which can also help curb your appetite. 
· Do not wait to make healthy food choices until after the holidays. Enjoy a few extras, but be sensible.
· Plan relaxing times for yourself. Enjoy the time away from your regular routine to read, work on hobbies, enjoy music, or call a friend.
· Realize that giving your time and attention to someone says, "I love you" more effectively than giving or eating food.
· If you get fatigued, nap instead of snack. Also, use exercise to boost your energy.
· Stay Active - continue exercising throughout the holidays; it is a great stress-reducer. 

2. Be in control at parties
· Never arrive hungry. A small snack beforehand can save you hundreds of calories later. 
· Focus on the people, not on the food. Plan to speak to each guest if possible. 
· Position yourself far away from the food.
· Survey the food before that first bite. Choose two or three items you like most. Eat these and just sample small portions of other foods.
· Skip the appetizers and alcoholic drinks because they are loaded with calories. Save your calories for the main meal.
· Drink five glasses of water per party.
· Eat slowly so you will eat less. Sip slowly on beverages. 
· Set a time to stop eating.
· Wait 20 minutes after eating before considering seconds. Chances are, you will not want more food.

3. Take control at home.
· Be generous and give food as a gift. Do not stockpile candy and other goodies.
· Avoid preparing excessive quantities of food. Freeze leftovers immediately or give them away. 
· Keep low-calorie favorites on hand within easy reach.
· Serve special low-cal beverages and foods such as spiced tea, fruit, popcorn and snack mix to your guests.
· Give away fruit baskets and breads.
· Do not make high-calorie food gifts for others.
· Cut desserts in half.

4. Be a good guest.
· Bring your favorite low-calorie snacks, desserts, special beverage treats, and salad dressing with you.
· Make up a batch of popcorn for your hosts.
· Help prepare a low-calorie meal.

5. Take time out for an attitude check.
· Maintaining your weight is more realistic than expecting a great weight loss during the holidays.
· Be picky and selective about what you eat-it is your body.
· Enjoy the company, not just the food. People are the integral part to any holiday celebration.
· If you do overindulge, do not abandon your pursuit of leanness. Cut back on calories on your next few meals, eat more vegetables and exercise more. Do not skip meals!