Kickstart Your 2011 Diet Plan by Cleaning Out the Kitchen

Even the most devoted dieters tend to diverge from their weight loss plans during the winter holidays. Studies show that the average American gains two pounds '" and many individuals acquire as many as ten or more extra pounds during the annual food bowl festivities.

Take Thanksgiving, for example. Those cheese croissants with wine to kick off the grand meal. We chat with relatives and friends while we munch on assorted nuts and other tasty treats in preparation for the tempting turkey -- and stuffing -- and candied yams with marshmallows. Then there's Aunt Kathy's cornbread with honey butter '" and that's just the preface to the delectable desserts.

And so it goes. The holiday cookie exchanges (and of course you "have" to try your best friend Martha's famous triple-fudge frosted brownies with cream cheese filling), followed by the open house events at relatives and friends where hot apple cider and appetizers draw you to the attractive buffet. From the gingerbread men that you frost heavily with frosting to the candy canes you nibble as you decorate the tree, the winter holidays create a wreath of opportunities to let that diet slide.

When In Doubt, Kick It Out
Got "lose weight" already listed on top of your 2011 New Year's Resolutions plans? Get it off in style by cleaning out your kitchen cupboards now!

Follow these steps to make it a reality:

1. What's on the bottom shelf in front that's easy to reach for? If it's a cookie jar, box of hot cocoa mix, and a gift box of candies from Cousin Thelma, you're on a weight gain collusion course! If you have others in the family who want their treats, such as a teenage boy who plays football, ask them to put the treats that they want elsewhere (for example, on a top shelf in the back). If you have children, though, help them avoid the risks of childhood obesity by eating wisely along with you.

On that bottom shelf, put low-fat, high fiber crackers, small cans of fruit made without sugar, and sugar-free hot cocoa. Enjoy a hot, filling lunch or snack by including low-sodium, low-calorie canned soups in that collection as well.

2. Move the sugary boxes of cereal out of sight as well. Replace them with low-calorie, high fiber plain oatmeal. For a filling breakfast, top that oatmeal with plain yogurt sprinkled with fresh fruit.

3. Head to the refrigerator and follow that same approach. Fresh vegetables and fresh fruits on the top shelf in front make it easy to enjoy healthy snacks. Replace sugared full-fat yogurts and full-fat cheese with sugar-free, low-fat versions.

4. Don't forget to weed out the beverages and condiments as well! Sparkling water with a lemon wedge can be a great thirst-quencher. Love your morning coffee with milk? Substitute non-fat milk for that cream. And when it comes to salad dressings, buyer beware! Go for low-fat or fat-free varieties - creamy salad dressings can more than triple an otherwise healthy salad.

Happy healthy holidays!