Avoid the Holiday 'Fluff' this Year

It's coming-sleigh bells are jingling, carols are ringing, and inevitably, the scales are tipping. You know that the holly jolly season brings on tasty treats and tempting goodies, but is there a way to avoid the pitfalls of holiday eating without missing out on the celebrations? Fortunately, there are several tiny adjustments you can make to your festive indulgences and still satisfy your taste buds.

1.) Portion Control: Of course it's tempting to dig in to all the delicious foods, so we say go for it! Take a bite of all of your favorites-but try to avoid taking a major helping of each. This way you don't have to resist-just reduce. Eat a couple spoonfuls of Mom's mashed potatoes before piling a small mountain on your plate; break your cookie into a smaller one; and before you reach for that big slice of pie, take a slither from the person next to you instead.

2.) Don't Talk With Your Mouth Full: No, we aren't going to monitor your table manners, but use this tip during the pre-meal time pockets. It's hard to miss the display of bowls and trays of savory and salty snacks in every living room and shopping mall-peanuts, chocolates, and fried appetizers. These snacks are often pre-coursers to the upcoming meal, so save yourself some leg room by indulging in conversation instead of just the food. Grab one or two of some small snacks, catch up with your friends, relatives, or even the sales clerk, and remind yourself to stay away from seconds, thirds, and fourths by talking without mouth(or fist)fuls of food!

3.) Pace Yourself: We know you're excited. Who isn't? This is the time of year when full bellies are not just accepted, but expected. But relish in the moment-don't devour everything on your plate before you look up to breathe. The faster you eat, the longer it takes your body to signal that it is already full, and this can cause you to eat those extra helpings that your belly could have done without. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your meals-don't let the excitement turn into excess!

4.) Don't Forget Your Veggies: Yes, enjoy the foods that are special for the holidays, but beware of empty calories. These are common in many of the high-flour, sugar, and dessert-type foods, meaning you eat them, but the food does not leave you “full”, or at least not for very long, leading to extra calories later on. So make sure you get your high-fiber foods, including whole wheat, cooked beans, and of course, vegetables(especially the green ones!) These foods will give you more energy and satisfy your late-meal cravings.

5.) Stay Active: You know what to do at the dinner table and in hearty-holiday venues, but what you do before and after plays a big role in keeping off the extra weight as well. Try to avoid just sitting after eating-go for a walk to speed up your metabolism and keep your muscles activated. Take a mid morning or afternoon bike ride, or play an active game with the relatives. You don't have to be at the gym to keep movement, just incorporate it into your day!

We know it is tough to fore go your cravings and temptations around this time of year, so this holiday season we're not asking you to. Just follow these 5 easy steps and find how simple it can be to get a jump start on the New Year!