Dieting Tips for the Holiday Season

Great dinners, desserts, drinks and more goodies go with the holiday season. It is a time we all expect to gain a few pounds. Here are a few tips that could help to keep you from gaining a bit of fat this season.

When you are cooking, you are in control. You can still cook great foods without using the highest calorie ingredients. Why not make a few substitutes?

Use margarine instead of butter. Use evaporated skim milk or skim milk for recipes. Use egg whites rather than whole eggs. How about using non-stick sprays instead of butter? You would be surprised how many items you can use that make a huge difference in the waist. Just be aware of what you are using when cooking.

Before you go to a party, eat something healthy. Whole grain snacks or a salad make a good snack. If you are at the party and see all the great food, try eating some veggies with a glass of water. If you still want the snack then go for it. I bet you won't eat as much as usual though.

If you really want to eat some of the food, don't starve yourself. Just choose carefully. Which items can you not make yourself? Eat those first.

Don't fill up on chips. Eat the really special items and leave the rest alone.

Avoid alcohol. If you are drinking, substitute a glass of water between drinks. You will avoid calories and a possible hangover.

Avoid fattening dressings, dips and cakes. Do you need that dip? Think before putting it in your mouth. There are a lot of wasted calories in the extras. Have bread without butter. Have pie without ice cream or whipped topping.

The last way does not stop your taste buds. It's the old favorite of exercise. Continue your regular workout routine, but add something new each day. Why not go sledding? How about a ski trip? Is it cold enough to ice skate? How about something as little as carrying in all the groceries yourself. If you know you are going to eat heavy avoid the guilt by working your body harder.

If you don't normally exercise, the holiday is a good time to start. Who knows, you may want to keep it up after New Year's Day. Then you may be doing more than maintaining your weight. You may actually lose a few pounds.