RUN RUN RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN FROM HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN

 The holidays are a wonderful time of the year that also brings an excess of cocktails, high-calorie dinners and sugary treats. To avoid over-indulging and getting a tummy that resembles a bowl full of jelly; use a little nutrition wisdom, self-control and moderation. Here are a few tips that will help keep your body looking svelte all the way thorough the holiday season.

  According to Extreme Fitness nutritionist Lora Jordan, people tend to exhibit much poorer eating habits over the holidays  “A main cause for over-eating, is that most people try to save room for dinner by skipping meals and snacks throughout the day, causing them to be extra hungry and overeat.”

 Lora recommends eating smaller meals throughout the day to keep your feeling satisfied and to help your overeating.  “Big meals throw off your system and your metabolism takes longer to recover”

While its not as drastic as trading your visions of sugarplums to visions of broccoli, there are certain foods choices on the holiday circuit that are going to help you stay trim, feel better and give you more energy. 

HOT DRINK ON A COLD DAY

"Many people don’t stay nearly as hydrated as they should in the winter,” says Lora, “they often turn to warm sugary comfort drinks or caffeine, which only make them more thirsty.” You may still find yourself at Starbucks getting a Christmas drink, but try to avoid the “Grande Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha with Whipped Cream” (520 calories, 18g fat, 14g protein, 74g sugar) and instead go for a “Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte”(130 calories, 0g fat, 12g protein, 17g sugar) A sprinkle of cinnamon or hazelnut adds some low-calorie holiday cheer.

THE PARTY MUNCHIES

The Cheeseball - It may be eyeing you at the holiday party, but avoid the glare and beeline to the fruit platter. One tiny bite of the “cheeseball on a Ritz cracker” puts you at a combined total of: 170 calories, 14g of fat, 3g of sugar and 6g of protein.  Save over 100 calories and opt for a plate full of strawberries and grapes you will be at 52 calories, .3g fat, 10.2g sugar, .8g protein

THE FESTIVE DRINK

Egg Nog is always fun at soirees but a 9oz glass of eggnog can have over 343 calories, 19.1g fat, 21.4g sugar, 9.7g protein. Cider is a healthier alternative with only 130 calories, 0g fat, 31g sugar, 0g protein. 

THE COOKIE CULPRIT

 Shortbread’s key ingredients include: butter, icing sugar and sugar, not making them the healthiest cookie while having 200 calories, 9g fat, 14g sugar and 2g protein. If you find yourself having a cookie monster moment, reach for a gingerbread cookie that has 155 calories, 2.1g fat, 10.7g sugar and 3.2g protein.

AT THE DINNER TABLE

Around the holiday dinner table you tend to have a variety of options “Turkey is a great, lean meat that people can have at dinner,” says Lora. “With lots of veggies and a salad, it can make for a healthy meal.”

TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK

Avoid high-fat foods that can make you sluggish

Keep hydrated, if cold water doesn’t appeal to you, try some hot water with lemon or herbal tea

If having some drinks at a party, have a non-alcoholic one in between to stay hydrated and prevent overeating

Squeeze in a small healthy snack like almonds before a big meal

At the buffet, only fill your plate once and try to use a smaller plate

Choose the food you really want to eat, and you don’t have to finish it

At the dinner table, choose only one carbohydrate, for example, treat yourself to stuffing, but avoid the mashed potatoes

Have a buddy system – decide before you head to a holiday party with a friend how much you’ll allow yourself to go through, that way you’ll feel like you’re indulging without going over the top

Eat smaller meals thoughout the day

Treat yourself! Just remember – everything in moderation