Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

Holidays are one of the hardest times to stick to eating right. There's the added stress, an erratic schedule full of holiday parties and festive get-togethers, and endless toasting, all of which leads to you feeling bloated and uncomfortable by the time January 2nd comes around. However, the holidays don't have to be that way!

Here are some ways you can enjoy the season and not regret it later:

1. Drink less
For many of us, calorie-laden beverages are hard to avoid during the holidays. Consider all the peppermint lattes, hot chocolate, eggnog, wine, champagne...Shall I go on? If you're the type to be tempted by these, try this idea. Pick one. In other words, choose one for the day: enjoy a latte for the day or a glass of wine. And when you can, trim down the calories (i.e., use skim milk in that hot chocolate). This way, you're not denying yourself, and you're teaching yourself moderation. And the rest of the time, drink water! Even if it's the sparkly kind with a slice of lime to make you feel festive.

2. Bake less
If you love baking during the holidays, that's great. We're sure your family loves your baked goodies. But consider how much you're baking and for how many. Are you making 14 dozen cookies for your intimate family of 4? Perhaps it's time to cut back. This holiday season, select just one or two of your favorite recipes to bake, and cut your typical quantity at least in half. This way you'll not only cut down on unnecessary calories lurking around the house, you'll also reduce your stress level. Or try to make some no-bake Shakeology cookies! Delicious, low cal, high protein satisfy your chocolate fix!

3. Prioritize
More than likely, the parties that you go to will have tables stocked with food of the less-healthy variety. This is when it's important to prioritize instead of snapping up every canapé on the spread. Take a plate, pick one of each of your favorite items, and load up the rest of your plate with fresh veggies or fruit if available. Another option is to eat before going to the party. This way you won't be tempted to take a bite of the mini quiche just because it's there and you're hungry. And remember, it's the people and the conversations that should be the focus—not the food!

4. Deny leftovers
When it comes time after the party for the host to begin giving away leftovers, either make yourself scarce or let them know that you'd love to take some but your fridge is stocked. (They will definitely understand.) But sometimes, having extra temptations on hand is unavoidable. If your neighbor brings over a plate of mouth-watering cookies, instead of turning her away, graciously thank her and enjoy one. Then take the rest to your next function. It's the season of re-gifting!

5. Amp up your workouts
Many Americans excuse themselves from healthy eating and regular workouts because "it's that time of year." Poor choice. Rather than skipping your workouts, intensify them. Holidays are when you really need the mood-enhancing, stress-busting effects of exercise more than ever!

6. Enjoy a taste
Some do well by swearing off "forbidden" foods, but for many of us that notion only leads to bingeing or a feeling of deprivation. If that's the case, allow yourself the treat, just make it a small portion and account for it during your next workout.

7. Scrap the "dieter's mentality"
I forbid you to say these 5 little words ever again: "I'm starting my diet tomorrow." This mentality leads people to believe that healthy eating is all or nothing. Have a cookie or two, but catch yourself before you slip into the "Oh, I've blown it, so now I might as well have 10 more!" way of thinking. That mentality is the root of all yo-yo dieting. Think of your eating as a way of life, not a diet.