Whether you’re taking a weight loss supplement to curb your cravings or spending extra hours at the gym to compensate for all the extra calories, the holidays can still wreak havoc on your good eating habits. Learn how to keep them in check while still enjoying all the deliciousness of the season! Give Into Temptation Give yourself permission to eat treats. It’s human nature that if there’s something we can’t have, we want it more so let yourself enjoy all the scrumptious desserts and treats of the holidays in moderation. Cut Back on Booze Limit your alcohol intake. Not only can drinking increase your appetite, but alcoholic beverages are a big source of calories, so be mindful of how much you drink. You can also substitute your favorite drinks for light versions (i.e. beer) or half drinks with club soda or another low-calorie alternative. Be Active Be physically active every day. Whether you enjoy running or aerobics, getting exercise (even just 20 minutes) everyday can burn up all those extra calories from holiday eating. Weight Maintenance not Weight Loss Think weight maintenance not weight loss! The holidays is not the time to diet – your priority should be managing your weight and making sure you don’t put on extra pounds. Make Your Dishes Healthy Whether you’re hosting a holiday bash or were asked to bring a dish, make your food healthy. Try low calorie and low fat substitutes in your cooking and baking that allow you to make something healthy without cutting flavor. Keep Perspective Overeating one day is not the end of the world, so don’t beat yourself up or dwell on the past if you happen to binge at your holiday party. Put it behind you and stick to your regular eating patterns.

The holiday season is just around the corner and if you’re stressing about all the family get-togethers and holiday dinners you’re in charge of, use these 5 tips to make your planning and prep a breeze. • Get a head count for each dinner and or party you will be hosting and find out if there will be anyone who has food allergies or special accommodations so you can plan your menu. • Share cooking responsibilities, especially if you have a rather large guest list. Assign side dishes, drinks, and desserts to others. • If your plan to use your fancy china dishes for Christmas dinner has been thwarted due to a lost or broken piece, contact a china replacement service, who can quickly help you find the right replacement piece. • A few weeks to a month before the festivities begin, stock your pantry with the ingredients you know you’ll need for all your holiday cooking and baking. • Pre-bake pies and cookies and freeze. When you’re ready to serve them, simply take them out to thaw. Make sure you properly seal and store them to avoid freezer burn.