Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Put an end to holiday weight gain with these quick and easy tips.

1. PLAN. Print out or use a pocket size calendar from now through Jan 1. Write in all parties and events immediately as you know about them. Also, write in planned shopping days or family functions...write in to your kid's practices and programs. Now, pencil in 5 times each week when you can exercise. So, if you know you have a party on a certain evening, plan to exercise that morning before work instead. Or even try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day, anything helps! When workouts aren't planned, the busy season will get the best of you and exercise will be the first thing you eliminate. Remember, all this exercise is THE KEY to burning off those extra calories.

2. Be realistic. Don't try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight.

3. Don't go to that party hungry. Have a half of a turkey sandwich, spoonful of peanut butter, handful of nuts or piece of fruit before that party. Overeating will be much less likely.

4. Be the "healthy" lone ranger. Be the one who brings a healthy fruit platter, a low fat dip, a yummy salad or that favorite broccoli salad using low fat versions of mayo. Other people will thank you for it!

5. Step away from the food! Try not to hang out near the food. Find a comfortable spot across the room, and focus on people instead of eating. Watch the before dinner calories.

6. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Decide what foods are worth eating and which you can ignore, and after that go through the line and stick to your decisions. Why waste calories on foods that do not bring you pleasure? Include fruits and vegetables to keep your plate balanced and full.

7. Sit down, get comfortable and enjoy. Chew each bite well, set your fork down, take your time and give your brain time to tell you when you're full. Party and social eating are often "mindless" eating. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions (aka a "thank you bite.") Stay with one plate of food. No seconds. Period.

8. Be careful with beverages. Eat your calories instead of drinking them. Stick to lower calorie or calorie-free drinks (diet sodas, water, lite beer, or a wine spritzer), instead of punches, eggnog, and mixed drinks that can have up to 500 calories/serving. Alcohol can also lessen inhibitions and induce overeating.

Sip a large glass of water between every alcoholic drink, nonalcoholic punch, or eggnog. This will help keep you hydrated, and you will drink fewer calories by the end of the night.

9. Clean House! If you have a party, get rid of the non-healthy foods ASAP! Restock your kitchen by throwing out ALL the treats, chips, sweets or other high calorie foods (or simply send everything home with the guests).

10. Don't beat yourself up. So you blew your diet at lunch, get back on track and have a light healthy dinner or skip dinner entirely if you aren't hungry before bed…maybe hit the gym to burn a few extra calories. ) See Step #1. We all overeat from time to time…just make it worth it when you do.