| How to Keep Yourself From Starting The New | | | | 3.Remember that alcohol is packed with calories - |
| Year As Round As Santa | | | | Choose light beer and wine over mixed drinks." A |
| Okay, here it is - part 3 of our "Battling The | | | | holiday-sized mixed drink can have as many a |
| Holiday Bulge (and winning)" series. The Average | | | | 300- 500 calories or more. |
| American gains 7 - 12 pounds between Halloween | | | | 4.Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to |
| and New Years and studies show that most will | | | | holiday parties, so you know there will be at least |
| abandon their fitness programs. Yes, I know, I've | | | | one "safe" item |
| already said this but it bears repeating. Between | | | | 5.Make the effort to continue a regular exercise |
| the parties, high fat foods, alcohol and hectic | | | | program - Find a buddy or consult with a |
| schedules who has the time (or the inclination for | | | | professional to help you keep yourself on track. |
| that matter) to worry about exercise, never mind | | | | Aim for 2 - 3 30 minutes sessions per week |
| healthy eating? Most people are busy putting off | | | | (remember - a little bit is better than none) |
| their healthy eating and exercise programs "until | | | | 6.Never go to a party or event on an empty |
| the 1st of the year." That is, until they try to get | | | | stomach- Before going out, snack on protein, like |
| into their clothes or get a good look in the | | | | chicken or cottage cheese. Protein satisfies and |
| department store mirror. There is still time to | | | | will help you eat less |
| formulate a plan that will have you closer to the | | | | 7.Keep an eye on your portion sizes - In the heat |
| fitness goals on the first of the year instead of | | | | of celebration, portion sizes can be quite |
| looking at an extra 7-12 pounds of ugly fat. | | | | excessive |
| These easy tips will help you get through the | | | | 8.Don't Skip Meals - Many people think that if they |
| holidays with a minimum of stress and weight | | | | skip breakfast and lunch, that they can "save" |
| gain. If you missed parts one & two, drop | | | | enough calories for later. This almost always leads |
| me an e mail at and I will be happy to send them | | | | to binging |
| to you. | | | | 9.Don't let a hectic holiday schedule force you to |
| 1.Don't try to "diet" during the holidays- Set a goal | | | | eat fast food - Prepare and freeze several quick, |
| of trying to maintain your present weight. This | | | | healthy meals. That way, you have an option |
| way, you have a realistic goal. Since , as I have | | | | other than high-fat, fast-food meals. |
| previously mentioned, the Average American | | | | 10.Remember what the Holidays are about - |
| gains 7-12 pounds, you will still be ahead of the | | | | Focus on friends and family. Although most holiday |
| game. You can allow yourself to indulge here and | | | | events focus around food, the point is to enjoy |
| there, but you won't go over the edge | | | | the company of your friends and family not to |
| 2.Pay attention to how quickly you eat and | | | | see how much dessert you can eat before you |
| exactly what you eat and drink- Chew your food | | | | actually pop the buttons on your pants (or dress) |
| slowly and focus on your companions and the | | | | 11. |
| social aspects of each event | | | | |