| Returning the gift of holiday weight gain can be a true | | | | - With fresh fruits and vegetables, not only will you be |
| challenge for most of us. This is why it's important to | | | | able to eat plenty of foods that taste great, but you'll |
| try to avoid getting a holiday weight package in the | | | | also get your daily dose of essential nutrients and |
| first place! There's no benefit to approaching the New | | | | vitamins that assist in the many functions of the body. - |
| Year with a lot of extra weight that you have to lug | | | | It would be unreasonable to expect you to avoid all of |
| around all year. | | | | the delightful foods that tempt you during the holidays. |
| However, if you do gain a little weight, it's a good idea | | | | In fact, you shouldn't deprive yourself at all! The key is |
| to know and understand the measures that you can | | | | to enjoy these sweet desserts in moderation. - Fill up |
| take to eliminate those extra pounds before they | | | | on the healthy fruits and vegetables first and then ask |
| become a problem. | | | | for a small serving of pie. You'll get a sweet taste |
| You can learn all about returning the gift of holiday | | | | without the desire to devour the entire pie. - Try to limit |
| weight gain in the tips below: | | | | yourself to just one treat a day. Setting limits will allow |
| Get Moving | | | | you to enjoy all those seasonal foods that you love |
| One of the best ways that you can maintain your | | | | without causing holiday weight gain. - Share your |
| current weight through the holidays, or shed those | | | | cookies and treats with those at your office, church, or |
| extra pounds from your holiday blessing, is to exercise! | | | | homeless shelter. If the sweets tempt you too much at |
| You should strive to get at least four hours of | | | | home, share them with others. |
| exercise weekly. This may sound like a lot, but there | | | | Party Etiquette |
| are many exciting physical activities that will enable you | | | | Prepare yourself for social gatherings, family dinners, |
| to lose those unwanted pounds. | | | | and festive holiday parties. The foods and beverages |
| - You can take a walk around the block to savor one | | | | that you find at these parties are generally loaded with |
| last look at those Christmas decorations, go swimming | | | | fat and other unhealthy ingredients. |
| in an indoor heated pool, or warm up in an aerobics or | | | | - Eat a healthy meal before going to holiday parties. If |
| dance class. - Go up and down the stairs a few times. | | | | you're not hungry, you'll indulge in fewer unhealthy |
| When you're done, your heart will surely be pumping! - | | | | foods that can add pounds. - Focus on enjoying the |
| Learn some basic yoga moves and start or end your | | | | company rather than on the food. Engaging in |
| day with some deep stretching and relaxation. | | | | conversation will allow you to forget (momentarily!) |
| Make Healthy Food Choices | | | | about the food buffet. |
| During the holidays, fresh fruit assortments are a big hit | | | | During the holidays we all want to indulge in traditional |
| and make eating healthy much easier. A good goal | | | | holiday treats. Being conscious of portion control will |
| would be to eat five servings of fruits every day. | | | | help you avoid gaining a significant amount of weight |
| When you snack on fruit, you'll avoid the urge to sink | | | | this holiday season. |
| your teeth into that hot apple pie and those other | | | | Returning the gift of holiday weight gain is much easier |
| tempting desserts that tend to line tables and | | | | when it does not involve too many pounds. Using |
| countertops when the holidays roll around. | | | | these tips will keep the weight gain to a minimum and |
| In addition to fruits assortments, vegetable trays are a | | | | help you to shed those few extra pounds that do |
| great, healthy choice as well. | | | | materialize. |