Let the Holidays Begin!

Let the holidays begin or should I say bring on all those familiar and overused excuses. Why is it that the period of between Thanksgiving and New Years Day becomes such an eating frenzy for so many of us? Shouldn't it be simply a time of celebration, appreciating what we are thankful for and visiting with family and friends? Unfortunately for so many people health takes the back burner and overeating, overdrinking and complaining about both takes over our mind and bodies.

Let's break the cycle this year - starting now. Yes, there is and will be a lot of food the trick is to make a plan on how to tackle the tough situations that haunt you each year. Whether it's office parties, eating out more often or long weekends away with family and friends decide how to best approach them before they happen. (It helps the regrets afterward.) Here are some ideas you might try:

• Keep a regular eating routine - don't skip meals even if a big event lies ahead. Saving calories for later simply gives you permission to overeat
• Grab a small snack on your way to an event - it helps you avoid overeating or drinking when you get there
• Schedule exercise into your week just like you do meetings or parties
• Concentrate on being social at the event and position yourself out of reach of the food table
• Peruse the buffet table before you get in line that way you choose calories you will enjoy the most
• When visiting friends bring along healthy foods or offer to go shopping for your host
• Watch portion sizes when healthy foods are simply not available - half the size is half the calories
• Take advantage of off nights to cook and eat healthy
• Watch the alcohol calories - they can really add up

Focus on breaking even rather than losing weight - that is a victory! And above all enjoy the holidays for what they are a special time to celebrate the people in your life.

Happy, Healthy Holidays!

Marcia