• • Don’t set yourself up for failure by making unrealistic goals for yourself. Plan on NOT dieting after the New Year. Anticipation of food restriction sets you up for binge-type eating over the holidays (“after all, if I’m never going to let myself eat this again after Jan. 1st, I might as well eat as much as possible now!”) Restrictive diets don’t work in the long run.
  • Physical activity, especially aerobic activities (like brisk walking, jogging, bicycling, roller blading, and swimming) can help relieve stress, regulate appetite, and burn up extra calories from holiday eating.
  • It is not a good idea to arrive at a party famished. Not only are you more likely to overeat, but you are also less likely to resist the temptation of eating the higher fat and higher calorie foods. Try eating a piece of fruit, a small carton of yogurt, or a string cheese before you go.
  • Think about where you will be, who you will be with, what foods will be available, what foods are really special to you (that you really want to eat) vs. those that you could probably do without, what are your personal triggers to overeat and how can you minimize them. It’s much easier to deal with a difficult social eating situation if you’ve already planned for it.
  • There are plenty of low fat and low calorie substitutes that are amazingly tasty. Try using applesauce in place of oil in your favorite holiday breads; use egg substitutes in place of whole eggs; try plain nonfat yogurt in place of sour cream. Magazines are full of reduced calorie and reduced fat holiday recipes. Give them a try, and share your cooking creations with friends and family. Check out Enjoying a Low Fat Christmas.
  • Liquors, sweet wines and sweet mixed drinks contain 150-450 calories per glass. By contrast, water and diet sodas are calorie-free. If you choose to drink, select light wines and beers, and use non-alcoholic mixers such as water and diet soda. Limit your intake to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per occasion. And, watch out for calories in soda, fruit punch, and eggnog.
  • Pick some raw vegetables, but go easy on the dip. Turkey breast, and lean ham or pork roast are other good choices. Don’t forget a nice plate of salad with a low fat dressing and some fresh fruit for dessert.
  • If you are heading to the mall, park a little further away, or take your time and do a round of window shopping all through the mall before you buy. For extra motivation to get more walking in, consider wearing a pedometer.
  • The holidays can be a very stressful season if we let them. Many of us tend to overeat or medicate ourselves with food when we are stressed. Work in some extra time just for you. Sit in front of the fire with a good book or your favorite magazine, go get your nails done, take a bath or go for a walk.
• If you are currently overweight and want to lose weight, this is not the time to do it.
• Be physically active every day.
• Eat a light snack before going to holiday parties.
• Make a plan.
• Reduce the fat in holiday recipes.
• Choose your beverages wisely.
• Fill your plate with some “good” foods first.
• Use the busy shopping season and burn some extra calories
• Take some time to relax.

Above all, enjoy the holidays and remember they are not only about food, but more importantly about family spending quality time together. Treat yourself to some new holiday candles, listen to your favorite Christmas tunes, or go for a drive through a lit up neighborhood this year. Have fun during this special time of the year and enjoy that occasional cookie.