How To Stay Slim During The Holiday Season

The majority of people find themselves carrying additional fat once the holidays are over. Worst of all, most of them never lose this extra weight. Over the years, few pounds gained over the holidays here and there add up to 10, 20, 30 pounds of excess fat!

To avoid falling into the holiday fat trap, follow these simple tips:

1. Don't deprive yourself. Munching on a green salad while everyone is feasting on turkey and stuffing is just not worth it. You will end up miserable, and chances are you'll binge at home or on the next party. Depriving yourself once is likely to cause you to eat everything in sight the next day to "compensate" for your suffering.

2. Don't stuff yourself. You are not a turkey, after all! :-) Remember, this is not the last time in your life that you can eat.

3. Eat a small meal several hours before the party. This will prevent you from being too hungry when faced with abundant menu. When you are not starving, you can think with your brain, and not with your stomach.

4. Eat slowly. It takes our body about 20 minutes to realize that we are full. Also, the slower you eat, the less food you'll eat as opposed to eating fast in the same amount of time.

5. Be aware of what you are eating. It's easy to get carried away in conversation, and eat way too much before you know it. Don't automatically go for more helpings while you are talking to someone.

6. If you are cooking the food, prepare healthier versions of traditional dishes. Don't go too far by trying to completely cut out the fat. Just make some slight changes such as mashing potatoes with low-fat milk, adding less butter to the food, and serving more salads and veggies. Or make the stuffing in a casserole dish outside of turkey, so it does not soak up the extra fat.

7. Deal with the food-pushing hosts by complimenting them. When they try to force more food on you, smile. Say how much you love their food, but unfortunately you are so full, you can't get in another bite. And that you'll be delighted if they gave you some of this food to take home, if there is anything left after the party!

8. Choose the turkey breast meat, since it has fewer calories then dark meat. Also, most of the fat in a turkey is contained in the skin. So, if you can, don't eat the skin. Skinless turkey breast is actually a healthy choice. But go easy on a fat-laden gravy!

9. Eat small amounts of various foods, as opposed to large portions of few foods. Sampling everything on the menu will leave you more satisfied since you've tried everything there is. But remember, moderation is key.

10. Eat that dessert. The trick here is to eat a small piece of it. This way you can have your cake and eat it too!

About The Author

Melanie Mendelson is the author of Practical Weight Loss - the healthy way to lose weight and keep it off. Visit Melanie's site at http://www.practical-weight-loss.com

---

Fun, Fireworks, & Flowers!

The 4th of July is a time for celebrating Freedom!... Read More

10 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day for remembering those who have... Read More

Father?s Day Gift Idea: Do-It-Yourself Backyard Pond Kit

This Father's Day, sit back and enjoy a nice cold... Read More

Fireplace Decorating Tips for Easter: Give Your Rooms Natural Focal Point an Easter Look

Sure you decorate your fireplace and mantel for the winter... Read More

Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

Putting up and decorating your Christmas tree is a holiday... Read More

Christmas Decorating Ideas - Edible Ornaments

Although it is now more decades away than I care... Read More

Fitness Tips On How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season

This holiday season don't be trendy ? avoid the Seasonal... Read More

10 Steps to a Relaxing Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, friends, good food ?... Read More

Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's,... Read More

Simplify the Season

Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list:... Read More

Making Mother?s Day Special

How many times have you heard a friend say about... Read More

Nine Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Head To The Office Party

One thing you can count on during the holiday season... Read More

What Causes Holiday Stress?

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration... Read More

Do It Yourself Gifts

Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as... Read More

Celebrate the 4th and Help a Soldier

My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a... Read More

Thriving Through the Holidays

The holidays are upon us; a time of celebration and... Read More

Are You Truly Thankful For Everything?

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we stop and... Read More

A Priceless Birthday Gift

Kelly was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used... Read More

Tropical Christmas

I can recall from my days in England, watching television... Read More

5 Ways to Lose Those Holiday Blues

What a great time of year! It's a time to... Read More

Glorious Holiday Decorating: Ten Tips

If you're looking for ways to decorate your home in... Read More

7 Tips on Giving Chocolates to Your Valentine

Every year millions of people exchange chocolates on February 14th... Read More

How Santa Makes Out His Christmas List

How Does Santa Make Out His List?I'll let you in... Read More

Surviving Those Holiday Blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with... Read More

10 Stress Free Tips to Pamper Mom This Mothers Day

Mothers Day is the day we set aside each year... Read More

Animatronic Halloween Props - Cardboard Carpentry

One of the most inexpensive ways to create stonewalls in... Read More

A New Look at Labor Day

A day to reflect on the accomplishments of working people:... Read More

New Ways to Use Old Christmas Cards

Forty years ago when I was growing up on our... Read More

Survival Kit for the Holidays: Grace, Gratitude and Random Acts Of Kindness

If you*re like me, the holidays always have a way... Read More

Mothers Day is coming-Dont Blow It!

Mother's Day is May 8th. And, you do realize all... Read More

What Are You Doing This Halloween?

When it comes to Halloween there's no lack of variety... Read More

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge... Read More

Christmas Shopping for a New Love

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for those... Read More