Tips to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays

Avoiding overindulgence this holiday season does not mean that we must starve and stare enviously at cousin Timmy devouring an entire pie by himself.

With family get-togethers, company Christmas parties, Secret Santas, grandma's cooking and every, and all, temptation imaginable, any encounter may seem like the Garden of Eden.

This year, we can all make wiser food choices, have guiltless fun and make the most of the holidays.

Practice portion control. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Do you need that fourth slice of cake? Probably not. Take the time to savor the flavors of the season in smaller portions. Be aware of how much you are consuming and don't eat beyond your comfort zone.

Limit empty calories. Empty calories provide very little in terms of nutrition or satisfying an appetite. They are often empty calories that could have been used for other yummy seasonal treats. These empty calories often come in the disguise of breads, cakes, cookies and excessive beer, wine or soda.

Eat before you go. If you starve yourself before attending a party, you will be more likely to overeat. Instead, have some fruit or yogurt before attending.

Avoid excess alcohol. If you are underage, you should avoid it altogether, but if you must drink don't over do it. Besides clouding the great holiday memories, alcoholic beverages are often empty calories. Drink water in between drinks.

Just say no. Or "maybe later." Learn to say "no" when you would rather not have a third helping of Aunt Betty's sweet potato pie. Instead of eating all of the leftover sweets when you get back home, save some for later or the next day.

Don't forget to exercise. Most people use the hustle and bustle of the holiday season as an excuse to put off exercising until they make it into a New Year's resolution. Make an effort to fit it in anywhere in your day: a brisk walk while shopping, take the stairs instead of escalator, parking farther at the mall or whatever works for you.

Enjoy the holidays. If you overindulge, don't have a guilt-trip. Just accept it and move on. The holidays are time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. It is not a time to stress over little things that can be fixed with New Year's resolutions.