Healthier Holidays: Prevent Overindulging

As we've discussed, the holidays are upon us again. If you missed our blog entry about staying active through the holidays, read it here.

If you overeat during the holidays, simply working out will not prevent you from packing on the pounds. Here are some pointers to help prevent you from overindulging:

• Eat before you hit the holiday bash. Snacking on something, like an ounce of mixed nuts, will help you curb your appetite so you don't overeat at the party.

• Try something new to eat. Save the calories for new and interesting foods, but limit your sample to one small portion.

• Savor the meal. It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to alert your brain that it's full, so enjoy each and every bite. Stop when you sense you're full.

• Alternate drinks. Rotate that high-calorie beverage with a calorie-free sparkling water. Also, remember that most alcoholic beverages are packed with calories, especially cream drinks like eggnog. By drinking a glass of water after every cocktail, you will stay hydrated and avoid overdoing it.

• Stop when the party is over. Don't treat Thanksgiving through New Year's as one big binge. Instead, switch back into your normal diet and exercise routine between each holiday.

Incorporating even a few of these tips into your routine over the next few hectic weeks will help keep off those unwanted pounds.