The holiday season is undoubtedly a time for rejoicing. Unfortunately, the average adult does a little too much celebrating during this time of year, which leads to extra baggage when the New Year rings in. Festivities that include indulging in extra helpings, snacking on seasonal treats, and little to no workout time all contribute to the increase in dieters in January.

So, this holiday season buck the trends and avoid the Seasonal Seven

(the average weight most of us will gain between Thanksgiving and

the New Year). That's one trend you don't want to participate

in!

Even though this time of year may bring upon additional stresses and

challenges, there are ways to find balance and maintain a healthy

lifestyle. Though at times it may seem impossible to bypass the

season's traditional foods, there are many ways to partake in the

fun without increasing your pant size. The festivities don't have

to

be eliminated or avoided. You can have a fabulous time while also

maintaining your weight and your fitness regimen.

Moderation is the word of the season. It's the secret to

achieving a

fun but also healthy holiday time. With a moderate approach both to

what you eat (or don't eat) and how much exercise you do (or

don't

do), you can avoid packing on weight AND also partake in all the fun

of this time of year. So this season, get a head start on the New

Year instead of starting January with extra pounds to lose.

Here are some tips to help you during those hectic holiday weeks:

• Create a plan ahead of time. Before the holidays sneak up on

you, create a plan for incorporating fitness and good nutrition into

your daily routine. Evaluate your holiday schedule and then

determine how much time you will realistically have available to

devote to working out.

• If you work in an office setting be prepared for the deluge

of guilty treats your co-workers and other business associates will

graciously want to share. Stash your own healthy snacks in your desk

so you won't be tempted to overindulge when your grumbling

stomach

demands a 3:00 snack time.

• Don't put your fitness goals on hold until the New Year. If

you can't exercise as often during this time period as you

normally

do, adjust appropriately. Don't use the excuse that since you

don't

have time for your full workout you just won't workout at all.

Instead accept your limited availability and simply reduce the

frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It's much better to

cut

your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.

• When attending a holiday function, try to eat ahead of time

to lessen your hunger. If the party is in the evening, eat

breakfast, lunch and a snack before hand (just as you would on any

other day). Since you have eaten meals earlier in the day,

you'll

be less tempted to go overboard and eat everything in sight.

However, if you instead starve all day long attempting to "save

up"

all your calories for the party, you will be so famished by the time

it begins that it will be difficult not to overeat.

• Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-

aside time to complete them. Consider them as important as any other

appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.

• At holiday dinners, skip the gravy, dressings, and high-

calorie condiments.

• On days that you really lack motivation or simply do not

have time for your complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10

minutes of exercise. You'll probably end up doing more than that

once you get started. Even if you only end up completing 10 minutes,

that is still a lot better than zero minutes.

• When at a party, scout out healthy food options rather than

doing a grab and run on all the unhealthy selections. For example,

vegetable sticks (without dip), fruit pieces, plain chicken pieces,

etc. Then move on to some of the less healthy (but yummy) offerings.

You will be less likely to overindulge on these foods if you have

already filled-up on some of the healthier items. Yet, you will not

feel deprived or unsatisfied.

• Exercise at home. You'll be more inclined to follow-through

on your exercise commitment if you don't have to drive somewhere

to

do your workout. Plus, you won't waste any time on driving,

parking,

the locker room or waiting to use equipment. Working out at home

requires very little equipment (it even can be equipment-free) and

is quite inexpensive.

• Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average

alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. Indulge in just

2-3 drinks and you've drunk the equivalent calories of an entire

meal. If you partake in these beverages, choose wisely. For example,

instead of having a full glass of wine, try mixing half a glass of

wine with sparkling water or with a diet soda. This will help cut

your calories in half.

• When running errands or shopping, be sure to pack some

healthy snacks to have on-hand. Then after you work-up a big

appetite, you won't be tempted to grab something at the mall food

court or the fast food restaurant on the way home.

• Don't linger at the buffet or in the kitchen. If you loiter

in close proximity to all the guilty temptations, you'll struggle

to

keep from unconsciously shoveling food into your mouth.

• Focus on socializing. Remember one of the great things about

the holidays is spending time with friends and family. During get-

togethers spend the majority of time sharing conversation instead of

sharing desserts.

Hopefully these tips will help you find a balance between staying

fit and also enjoying the fun of the season. Remember, moderation is

the key. Have a great holiday season!