Diet and Exercise Tips for the Holiday Season

Don't let your diet derail during the holidays. Sure, you'll be surrounded by high-fat, high-calorie treats. But you can just say no to holiday indulgences with these four tips:

1. Adopt the right attitude.
Don't let go of your regular eating patterns. They figure that they will be gaining weight anyway so why not indulge in their holiday favorites? Don’t fall into this trap. Keep a goal of at least maintaining your previous weight loss during the holiday season. Don’t use parties as an excuse to overeat and gain back all of the weight that you have previously worked so hard to lose.

2. Eat before you party.
If you allow yourself to get too hungry, you will be more likely to overeat. You are more likely to eat more than your body needs if you starve yourself for the big event. Plan for success by eating a small, healthy meal before you go a holiday party. If you have something in your stomach, you’ll be able to pass by the rich desserts and cookies and choose wisely.

3. Decide on your "cheats" ahead of time.
If you think you have to go through three months without touching a piece of chocolate, think again. When you deprive yourself, you’ll end up caving in and binging on all the delicious holiday food around you. Alternately, if you go to an event, make yourself a deal. Treat yourself to a healthy plate from the buffet table, then allow yourself a small slice of your favorite pie. Choose something you really love and then use that as a reward for sticking to your weight loss meal plan the rest of the time. Although it's normally not a good idea to reward yourself with food, it could be your saving grace during the holiday season.

4. Increase Your activity.
A lot of people gain weight during the winter months because their activity levels have decreased. Instead of spending the evening playing in the backyard with the family like they did during the summer, they will bundle up and watch television. Make sure your activity level is increased throughout the winter months. Invest in an exercise DVD and commit yourself to completing the workout at least three times a week. Take up a new winter sport, such as ice skating or skiing. Get your body moving each day, whether it's through a walk on your lunch break or a run through the park with the kids. The more activity you do, the more you’ll be able to burn off the occasional piece of Christmas fudge or pumpkin pie.