Winter can be a difficult season for staying on track with a reasonable eating plan. From Halloween to New Year's Day, holiday treats abound, there are parties galore, and family and friends love to stuff you with cookies, candies, and way too much home-cooked food. Though you don't have to be a complete Scrooge about indulging in some goodies during the holidays, you have several ways to execute some damage control and keep holiday weight gain to a minimum:
Eat vegetables with every meal. The extra fiber helps you stay full, and you may be less tempted to overeat sweets.
Shift your focus away from food. The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and good will toward mankind. It's not about stuffing your face every chance you get.
Plan ahead. Know when a special high-calorie food is in store for you, and account for it when you're putting together the rest of your day's food plan.
Alternate a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage. You'll cut back on both calories and alcohol intake, and you'll be more aware and make smart food choices if you're careful not to drink too much holiday cheer.
Try to get in a few workouts each week, even if you're traveling. You don't have to work hard, but do something besides sit around all day!
Don't take second servings. Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to eat it.