| Even people with a very strong will can have | | | | choice!). |
| problems sticking with a weight management plan | | | | - You can manage stress and emotions by lowering |
| during the holidays. All the food tempts but a few | | | | expectations. Instead of cooking a big meal serve |
| weeks down the road weight gain sets in. | | | | him buffet style or make it a potluck. Learned to |
| The experts have three suggestions to help us | | | | politely say no when confronted with activities or |
| through these festive and food feasting times. The 3 | | | | food that is not in your best interest. |
| keys to holiday survival are: Practice awareness; | | | | At social events do not fill silence my eating. Make an |
| manage your stress; and plan in advance. | | | | effort to get to know people by talking to them. We |
| - Practicing awareness means that you need to be | | | | have a tendency to eat less when conversing. Also |
| conscious of what you eat and how much. It's okay | | | | keep everything in perspective by sticking to your |
| to allow yourself some special treats but limit it to | | | | exercise routine as closely as possible. |
| moderate servings. Try appetizer-sized helpings | | | | - Planning in advance is the third key. Eating a little |
| instead of dishing up a full serving. | | | | before going to a party can cut down on eating bad |
| It also means to be realistic. Since this is not a good | | | | things and your hunger. Don't hang around rooms or |
| time to lose weight set a goal not to gain any. | | | | places that have a lot of food available. |
| Keep everything in perspective. It's easy to fall into | | | | Take unhealthy food you've been given as a gift to |
| the trap of eating whatever you want for the 2 | | | | share at other parties. Take along some healthy |
| months during the holiday season. Treats for a few | | | | foods or snacks to gatherings and make sure you |
| special days are okay but then get back into your | | | | eat them before digging into much of the unhealthy |
| healthy routine. | | | | foods. |
| Be aware of any opportunities you have to get | | | | You should also plan on some form of exercise after |
| some exercise. Take a brisk walk whenever you get | | | | a holiday party or meal. Ask others to join you. A |
| a few minutes or move around while you're on the | | | | 15-20 minute walk is better than sitting around for |
| phone call. Don't hesitate to park further from the | | | | the same time. |
| mall than you typically would (like you have the | | | | |