Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

It's the time of year when families and friends gather together to eat, drink and be merry. It's also a time of great temptation. Holiday goodies are everywhere - and are often irresistible. The good news is that holiday gatherings don't have to mean weight gain. You can enjoy the holidays and indulge a little - if you follow some basic rules.

• If you're invited to a party, contribute a tasty low-calorie dish. Bring along a fruit salad or a vegetable platter with low-fat dip.
• Don't go to a party hungry. You'll only end up overeating in the long-run. Instead, have a healthy snack beforehand, like a piece of fruit, a small salad or a low-fat snack.
• If you're throwing the party, let your guests take home the leftovers. Have disposable containers available to make it easy.
• Watch out for the eggnog. A serving of regular eggnog has 19 grams of fat. Mix up a low-calorie version using low-fat milk.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. Have a wine spritzer or a light beer and make it last.
• Fill your plate with healthy options like shrimp cocktail, lean meat, fruits and vegetables. Enjoy small portions of your favorite side dishes or desserts.
• Step away from the dessert table. Engage in conversations in a food-free location.
• Go easy on second helpings and take smaller-sized first servings.
• Minimize the damage. When eating your favorite pie, eat the filling and leave the crust.
• Keep portion control your top priority. Eat all of your holiday favorites - just limit your portions to very small servings of each. Depriving yourself may cause cravings and cause you to binge. Just keep your servings small and don't feel guilty.
• Chew your food slowly and savor every bite. You'll get full faster this way.
• Stay active. Take an after-dinner walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the holiday lights and decorations.
• Do some damage control. If you find that you over-ate at a party, make up for it by being calorie-conscious for the next few days. If you overdo it tonight, go back to the drawing board tomorrow.

Related Articles Getting off the Couch Stuff the Bird, not Yourself Survivor's Guide to the 'Eating Season'

External Sources Duke University. Ten tips to avoid holiday weight gain. Accessed December 1, 2006. North Caroline State University. Avoid holiday weight gain. Accessed December 1, 2006. University of Missouri. Avoid holiday weight gain. Accessed December 1, 2006. University of Tennessee Medical Center. Prevent holiday weight gain. Accessed December 1, 2006.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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