Staying Fit Through the Holidays

With the Holidays around the corner, it is time to plan of attack to maintain fitness!

1. Reduce or avoid alcohol. This can spare you a lot of calories, and keep your mind sharp to avoid poor choices!
2. Eat before going to a holiday party. You'll be less likely to fill up on sweets and high-calorie appetizers. Stay away form known trigger foods as well!
3. Keep up your exercise program. It will help you maintain your weight, give you more energy and allow you to deal better with holiday stress. Your gift to yourself!
4. Bring fat-free or low-fat/low sugar dishes to potluck parties. Encourage others to do the same.
5. Arrive at mealtime for a dinner party and avoid before-dinner drinks and appetizers. Or arrive after and just enjoy the company.
6. Replace sweets with healthy holiday snacks such as fruit baskets and nuts in shells. They look just as festive and are healthier.
7. Attend only the parties you really want to go to. You'll save yourself a lot of calories - and time.
8. Simplify the meal if you are cooking. Serve raw vegetables with a dip for an appetizer, a low-fat main course with 2-3 vegetables, and a fruit and low-fat cheese platter for dessert. This can all be found premade, to further keep you from nibbling during prep.
9. Set realistic goals. At a holiday dinner or party, indulge in some goodies, but eat smaller portions. Have only one glass of wine or Champagne. Take half a slice of pie.
10. Avoid skipping meals before a big holiday meal. You don't want to arrive starving and then gorge yourself on sweets and other unhealthy fare.
11. Use moderation and relax. If you break down and eat a high-fat dessert, just go easy on what you have the rest of the day, or cut back a few calories tomorrow.
12. Drink lots of water.
13. Find other ways to enjoy the season without food and drinks. Get out to the hills and walk or drive to see the scenery.  Enjoy games with the family and friends.  Help out those in need.  Take in a movie, read or read to your kids/grand kids,  see a play, decorate or make holiday cards and so much more!

Tips

• Following common sense is your best bet. 
• Don't be afraid to experiment with new - and healthier - types of holiday dinners. 
• Keep up on exercise regimens.  Get up earlier; take a family member or friend along with you and buddy up.
•  Only eat your favorites and keep it clean otherwise. You don’t have to eat everything you see!