Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Now that Halloween has come and gone, how many people ate more candy than they planned? It is easy to do when candy and chocolate are always within eyesight and reach. But how do you avoid the downhill spiral when Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner? When food is everywhere and rich recipes are easily available, a diet can get way off track and very quickly. Hence, this time of year is our heaviest and when we need to get out the baggy shirts and sweatpants. Holidays do not need to make or break your diet though. It is all about appropriate portion sizes and using your self-restraint.

At most potluck meals, it is natural to want to try each dish. Eat only a spoonful of the different recipes to limit calories. You can always ask to take some of a dish home to try later.

Drink plenty of water during the holidays. It will help fill you up, especially if you drink a glass or two before you eat your meal. Water is always a better choice compared to caloric beverages, like nutmeg, soda, wine, etc. Those calories add up and don't keep us full.

With plenty of portion control and calorie free beverages, holidays don't have to be dreaded each year!