A Health Eater's Survival Guide for the Holidays

Libations before dinner, grandma’s famous pies, the family’s favorite oyster dressing (stuffing), and other delectable holiday foods are waiting for you at every holiday gathering. Most people gain 2.5 pounds during the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day). What should you do? Forget your eating plan for a day and eat to your heart’s desire? Or should you try to stay the course and navigate the tasty minefield of food? Whether you decide to strictly adhere to clean eating or sensibly splurge using portion control here are some tips to help you stay on track with your weight loss goals during the holidays.

1. Continue to make time for fitness-on party days pump up for workouts a couples notches. Consider adding more intensity and duration to your workouts. If you usually walk 45 minutes per day push it to 1 hour.

2. Bring a healthy dish- the internet is a great resource to find healthy ways to create your favorite dishes without compromising taste.

3. Sensible splurge- instead of fully giving in to the temptation use portion control to eat small portions of the high carb/high sugar foods and deserts. Fill up on nutritionally whole foods such as beans, lean meat and vegetables. This technique will help prevent weight gain and overeating.

4. Leave the doggy bag- enjoy the food while at the party but decline the offer to take extras home to eat later.

5. Eat before you go- fill up on smart food; fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains for lasting fullness. Eating before you go will prevent overeating and overindulging on unhealthy foods. This will also help you to avoid grazing on appetizers.