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Keep your weight down during the holidays

With all the get-togethers, dinners, parties, trips and other holiday events at this time of year, it is easy to gain some extra pounds. However, by following the advice below, you are sure to maintain your weight and start the New Year looking great.

Before going to parties.During the holiday season, it is very common to attend lunches and dinners where you not only enjoy the presence of your family and friends but you also share delicious meals. In these situations, we recommend you prepare yourself a  healthy snackbefore leaving your home so you will not be as hungry when food is served.

Keep your weight down during the holidays

Set aside one day of the week to make some low-calorie, nutritional snacks, such as Jell-O. Also, make sure to have fruit or vegetables handy that could be enjoyed alone or with some type of low-calorie dressing.

Before the meal.If appetizers are served, choose those that are made with vegetables or those that have low-fat and low-calorie dressings. If you are going to drink alcohol, drink in moderation because alcohol has a lot of calories.

When the food is served.When the food is served, help yourself to a hearty serving of salad before you serve the rest of the food, and choose low-calorie dressings or those made from vinegar.  If you can't eat salad first, serve yourself a larger portion of salad and smaller portions of the rest of the food.

You can go ahead and taste all the dishes. The key is moderation in the amounts of food you put on your plate. Avoid dressings high in calories, and eat slowly making the most out of each bite.

Exercise.Although you may be very busy during this time of year and you do not have a lot of time to work out, you should still keep in mind that doing some type of physical activity is essential to maintaining your weight during the holidays.

If you can continue your exercise routine, do it. If you can't, then set aside some time each day to exercise and remember that you can divide your routine into smaller parts to do during the day.

Get your family moving.If everyone is on vacation, take this opportunity to do  family workouts. For example, you can ride bikes, take walks, go skating or organize a family game of basketball or soccer.

Away on vacation.If you get the chance to travel this holiday season, explore the new place you're in by talking walks through the streets. If you go to the beach, take a walk along the shore. You will be exercising and at the same time enjoying the beautiful view. You can also ask the hotel if they have a workout room and take the time to do a little bit of exercise.

Seize opportunities.Any opportunity is a great excuse to exercise! Park the car far from where you are going, take the stairs instead of the elevator or play with your kids. If you are going somewhere that is at walking distance, take the opportunity to exercise and walk there.

Remember, the holidays are a time to share and enjoy special moments with your family and friends. We know that with a little bit of exercise and moderate eating habits you can maintain your weight this holiday season and start the New Year looking sensational.

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