4 Diet and Exercise Tips for the Holidays

Don't let your diet derail during the holidays. Sure, you'll be surrounded by high-fat, high-calorie treats. But you can successfully navigate this season of indulgence with the help of these tips: nn1. Adopt the right attitude.nOne of the reasons so many people gain weight during this season is because they allow themselves to let go of their regular eating patterns. They figure that they will be gaining weight anyway so why not indulge in their holiday favorites? Don’t fall into this trap. Keep a goal of at least maintaining your previous weight loss during the holiday season. Don’t use parties as an excuse to overeat and gain back all of the weight that you have previously worked so hard to lose. nn2. Eat before you party.nOne of the main reasons for overeating is allowing yourself to get too hungry. When you starve yourself for a big event, you’ll end up eating more than your body needs. Plan for success by eating a small, healthy meal before you go a holiday party. If you have something in your stomach, you’ll be able to pass by the rich desserts and cookies and choose wisely.nn3. Decide on your "cheats" ahead of time. nIf you think you have to go through three months without touching a piece of chocolate, think again. When you deprive yourself, you’ll end up caving in and binging on all the delicious holiday food around you. Alternately, if you go to an event make yourself a deal. Eat a healthy plate from the buffet table and then allow yourself a small slice of pumpkin pie. Choose something you really love and then use that as a reward for sticking to your plan the rest of the time. Although it’s normally not a good idea to reward yourself with food, it could be your saving grace during the holiday season.nn4. Increase Your activity.nA lot of people gain weight during the winter months because their activity levels have decreased. Instead of spending the evening playing in the backyard with the family like they did during the summer, they will bundle up and watch television. Make sure your activity level is increased throughout the winter months. Invest in an exercise DVD and commit yourself to completing the workout at least three times a week. Take up a new winter sport, such as ice skating or skiing. Do extra housework throughout the day to get your body moving, or take a walk around your office building on your lunch break. The more activity you do, the more you’ll be able to burn off the occasional piece of Christmas fudge or pumpkin pie.n