Don't Blow that Diet: How to Survive the Holidays Without Moving Up a Pants Size

The holidays mean good time with great friends and family. They also mean great food. And lots of it. The National Institutes of Health show that the average American gains at least one pound between Thanksgiving and New Years. While this one pound gain may seem slight, for some that one pound can trigger a downward spiral and mess up a healthy lifestyle. Here's some advice on how to avoid tipping the scale.

Drink lots of water. H2O is good for the body in some many ways. It hydrates us, clears our skin, and it fills us up. Drinking water is a must during the holiday season. This calorie-free godsend can prevent nibbling.

Fill up on fiber. Like water, fiber has that filling effect. Try to have a salad, or eat a sweet potato or baked potato with skin.

Do socialize, just not near the food. Mingling is one of the highlights of the season, but this very often occurs by the food. While chatting it up with your cousins, you notice you keep dipping your hand into the chip bowl. Stop this by moving to another room, or sit down so you are not in reach of the food.

Vary your colors. Just keep this in mind as you pick foods to eat. Go for oranges-pumpkin, carrots, yams; Deep greens-spinach, broccoli; Reds-apples, tomatoes. Avoid picking up whites, these things, like mashed potatoes, white bread, and sugar cookies like the nutrients that vibrant colored foods do.

Bring something healthy. If you bring one sensible dish than you'll know that you'll have one thing that is safe to eat. You can bring the veggie tray or a salad. Cocktail shrimp is another good choice. For desserts, try a sugar free pudding or jello treat.

Limit the alcohol. Not only is alcohol full of empty calories, but drinking inhibits your senses. You won't be able to think about what is good for you.

Allow yourself to have a treat, but just have a little. It's pure torture trying to make it through Christmas dinner without any dessert. So make a pact with yourself that you'll allow yourself to indulge, but just a bit. Maybe you will have one small slice of pumpkin pie, or one cookie. Share a slice of cheesecake with a friend. Have a few nibbles, then quit. If you need to, drink a big 8 oz glass of water to fill up afterwards.

Finally, plate your food. Remind yourself to also put your food on a plate and sit and eat it. It will surprise you how much you just pick up and shove in your mouth as you pass through the kitchen.

Good luck and remember, a little overeating is not the end of the world! Just hop on the treadmill and start new the next day. Don't allow one mistake to ruin your diet.