Healthy Weight Managment for the Holidays

By Susan Hahn

If you're looking for a little help to keep your waistline from expanding to Santa-like dimensions this holiday season, you should focus on staying healthy. Diets can feel like self-denial, while a new-found commitment to living healthy can increase your self-awareness and encourage you to make better holiday choices.

Here are a few tips to keep sane (and slim) this holiday season

Don't deny yourself special holiday treats. Simply help yourself to a small serving and stop after one.
Be realistic.This is not the time to lose weight. Strive to maintain your weight instead.
Move around.Take a walk with your family after dinner rather than crashing out on the couch. Pick a parking spot farther away from the store to get some exercise, or do a few laps around the mall before you start shopping.
Stick to your exercise routine. Feeling festive is no reason not to hit the gym. In fact, it will be a lot easier to eat that cookie or have a glass of eggnog if you know that you'll be sweating it off in spin class the next day.
Trying talking rather than eating. If you strike up a conversation at a holiday party, you're less likely to find yourself grazing at the food table.
Learn to say no. If you don't want to eat something, go somewhere, or do something. You have the right to decline. Be kind and courteous while respecting your own needs and desires.
Have a snack at home. Before you head out, eat a healthy snack a handful of nuts, a bowl of fruit and granola with yogurt, etc. This will keep you from falling prey to sugary holiday foods when what you really need is sustenance.
Avoid temptation.Don't sit next to the dessert table or leave cookies and candies out where you'll be tempted. If you get something unhealthy as a gift, share it with others or take it to a potluck.
If you're going to be on the road, pack some healthy snack options.
Offer to bring a salad or a healthy side to potlucks. That way, you know there will be at least one healthy item available.