How to avoid the holiday bulge

There are two basic rules to remember when trying to avoid packing on extra pounds during the holiday season: no fudge and no egg nog. I hate to put a damper on your visions of sugar plums, but eliminating these two calorie kings will go a long way towards making sure that little black dress or reindeer sweater still fits on New Year’s Eve! While you’re at it, toss out Aunt Edna’s fruitcake too. What is that stuff anyway?

Another difficulty facing most of us during this busy time of year is sticking to an exercise regimen. Depending on your own level of fitness, make sure to at least include 20 to 30 minutes of cardio a day. If nothing else, whenever possible walk to the market, the liqour store, the bar, the restaurant, etc. Skip the valet parking, and while you’re at it avoid the elevator and take the stairs. If you’re lucky enough to live where snow will be in the forecast, get out and get in it! Activities can include anything from shoveling your walk, sledding, building a snowman, or even tossing a snowball or two at the neighborhood Ebenezer. The key is trying to stay active as much as possible so that it continues to be a wonderful life.

There are all sorts of different types of parties during the holidays. Some are now having parties in order to plan their holiday parties. If you’re like me, you may be lucky enough to be invited to a few good ones. However, many people get invited to lousy parties that border on punishment. They often attend anyway out of what is some twisted feeling of obligation. Learn to pick your spots. If you’re wavering, an easy way out is to ask yourself if you went last year? If it’s a new bash, find out who may attend. I don’t typically wish to get festive with all strangers, or worse yet people that I already know that I don’t like! Figure out a way to politefully or tactfully decline. Let’s face it, holiday parties can be an evil bastion of fatty foods, excessive alcohol use, and unfortunately meaninglesss conversation with annoying colleagues, friends, or hopefully distant relatives.

If you must attend a party, go with a strategy in mind that has everything to do with hanging out. Where you hang out to be precise. There are three places to avoid lingering for too long: the kitchen, the buffet line, and the bar. It’s amazing how many calories could be avoided by simply getting something to eat or drink, and then moving to a locale where food and drink are less accessible. Nothing like chatting up the in-laws for an hour over cocktails in front of a tray of bacon-wrapped shrimp! Another smart move that I learned from some cagey party pros bent on staying in shape is that the first thing you should do upon arrival is to get a bottle or glass of water. Keep one in your hand for the duration, and you’ll be amazed at how much less of the holiday cheer and roast beast you consume!

When hosting a gathering this season, remember that depending on the size of the guest list, you’re probably not going to please everyone with your beverage and dining selections. The key is to offer a broad array of options. These should include healthy and heart smart foods. Some still may look for fried cheese and malt liqour, but the key is offering healthy options. When shopping, stick to your list, don’t overly add special holiday-only items, and avoid getting sucked in by the colorful displays that seemingly come from every direction. The holidays should be fun, and a time to let your hair down a little. Just keep in mind that a few simple steps to protect the waistline, and there is no reason why you can’t start 2009 off in good shape. Cheers!