Worried about Holiday gain?

[Guest guest]

Keeping Holiday

Weight in Check

Enjoy the holidays by using

your head.

By Dennis <http://www.everydayhealth.com/contributing-writers-and-editors.aspx>

Jr.

Medically reviewed by Niya

, MD, MPH <http://www.everydayhealth.com/medical-reviewers.aspx>

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Cakes. Pies. Cookies. Fudge.

Eggnog. Buffet tables filled with rich foods. It's no wonder many people feel

holiday weight gain is unavoidable. But experts say you can still enjoy the

holidays without abandoning healthier habits.

People generally gain about

a pound during each holiday season, according to researchers from the National

Institutes of Health. The problem is that this annual holiday weight gain tends

to add up over the years and can eventually lead <http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101/benefits-of-healthy-eating

/overcoming-obesity.aspx>

to obesity.

So watch what you eat, says

nutrition expert Keri Gans, while keeping in mind that falling off the wagon

once during the holidays doesn't mean you should give up on healthy eating and

maintaining your weight for the entire season.

" Remember that a

holiday is just a day, " says Gans, a nutrition <http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101.aspx>

consultant in New York City

and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. " It's not a holi-week,

it's not a holi-month. For one day, it's okay. Just remember the following day

is a new day, and it's back to healthy eating. "

Tips for Avoiding Holiday

Weight Gain

*

Tackle the buffet table with a plan. " Always survey

the buffet table first and

then get in line with your plate and choose the things you really want,

including healthy choices, " Gans says.

*

Position yourself away from the hors d'oeuvres.

" Stand away from the

hors d'oeuvres, " Gans advises. " If you're near them, you'll eat one.

If you stand away from them, hopefully you won't. "

*

Have a snack before you go to a party. " Most people,

knowing they're going

somewhere, will not eat during the day, saving up their calories, " she

says. " That's a nightmare waiting to happen because you'll end up eating

too much because you're so hungry. "

*

Bring a healthy dish with you. If you're going to

someone's home for a potluck

or buffet, bring a low-fat, low-calorie offering. " Be the one who says,

'I'll bring a vegetable,' or 'I'll bring a salad,' " Gans says.

*

Engage in the leftover battle. If you're at someone

else's house, don't leave

with leftovers. If you're throwing the dinner party, send everyone home with

leftovers.

*

Talk at parties, rather than eat. Gans encourages

party-goers to " use the

time to catch up with friends and family, not just to eat food. "

*

Keep up your normal exercise routine. You'll be able

to relieve holiday stress,

burn excess calories, and avoid weight gain.

Wiseman, one of Gans's

clients, says that deciding to follow a healthy eating plan has already put her

in good position to avoid holiday weight <http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/calories.aspx>

gain. " Take things in moderation, " she advises. " Eat something,

but watch <http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/portion-sizes.aspx>

your portions. Taste a little sliver of cake or sip of eggnog, and that way

you've had some and you can get on with your day. "

Remember, you can still

enjoy holiday goodies - just use your head before you open your mouth.