Here's to a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

     According to the American Dietetic Association, on average, Americans gain about one to two pounds over the holiday season.  The combination of busy schedules,  holiday parties and delicious food all make it difficult to maintain our weight.  But not this year! Here are some healthy eating tips to keep the weight off this holiday season.

 Keep the same routine. This includes both your eating and exercise schedule.

       Eating Schedule

Don't skip breakfast and or lunch just because you have a party in the evening. Eating consistently throughout the day will help prevent overeating at night.

        Exercise

Leaving time for exercise will do you a lot of good. Not only will it help prevent holiday weight gain but it will help relieve your stress. Just 15 to 30 minutes of your favorite exercise a day will help burn calories and make you feel better!

Planning will be key to your success.

       Meals

Plan meals around fresh vegetables, fruits, lean protein and low fat dairy.
       Shopping

If you are going out for a long day of shopping, eat before your leave and bring snacks like trail mix, peanut butter and crackers, or string cheese in case you get hungry. This will help prevent you from being tempted by those delicious smelling, not so healthy mall snacks.

       Holiday parties

 Holiday parties are full of temptations and copious amounts of food. Make sure you don’t go to a party starving. You will be less likely to overindulge if you eat a snack before you go. Try eating a healthy high protein snack like part skim string cheese or low fat yogurt.

Enjoy your holiday favorites, but in moderation!

The most tempting and delicious part of the holiday season has to be the holiday cookies, eggnog, candies and other treats. It’s ok to have your favorite holiday treat but take one instead of two or three. I promise you will be just as satisfied!