Avoiding the annual holiday weight gain will go a long way to making them happier!   Here are a few tips to help you stay fit.

• Because there is so much food everywhere this time of year, keeping a food diary is a must.  If your office, classroom, and/or kitchen have holiday treats sitting out, you will do a lot of “unconscious” eating.  A handful here, a nibble there, it all adds up.  By writing down everything you eat for a few weeks, you will be much more aware and hopefully more cautious.
   
• If you plan to indulge in some of the holiday goodies, try to lighten up your meals. 

• Have 1 cup of a high fiber cereal with skim milk for breakfast.
• Use light bread with 2 ounces of lean turkey and mustard for a sandwich.
• Eat two vegetables instead of a starch at dinner.

• Increase your exercise over the holidays.  Add an extra 10 or 15 minutes to your routine and try to do it every day.
   
• Never go to a party hungry.  Have a light snack ahead of time to curb your appetite.
   
• Portion control is key, especially if you’re indulging in a high-calorie treat.
   
• Weigh yourself every day so the pounds don’t sneak up on you.

Happy Holidays,

Pat, Karen, and Ellen