How to Stick to Your Diet During the Holidays

Way to go, slim! You shed enough pounds to strut your stuff during the summer. But here come the holidays. Turkey with all the trimmings is just a prelude to cookies, candies and fruitcakes. Enjoy the season's temptations in moderation--armed with a solid game plan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Drink a large glass of water and eat a savory snack--some protein, a little fiber--before you go to a party. If you're not famished, you won't be compelled to eat everything in sight.
2. Offer to bring a vegetable platter to the party--in fact, insist on it. That way you know there will be something diet-friendly that you can nibble on. But don't bring just any old vegetable platter. Make something you especially love and don't normally eat so you'll feel like you're celebrating, too. Bring a delicious but lowfat dip to accompany your crudite's.
3. Pair parties with workouts. Indulge in some foods you wouldn't normally eat, then offset the added calories with a pumped-up exercise routine. As you block out your calendar with cocktail parties and eggnog tastings, write down what your matching aerobic workout will be. Put your money where your mouth is and buy several sessions with a personal fitness trainer to keep yourself on track.
4. Have salad first if you're eating at a restaurant. Ask for dressing on the side. Dip just the tines into the dressing before stabbing a forkful--you'll get all the flavor and hardly any sin. Ask the waiter to box up half your entree before it leaves the kitchen for you to enjoy at another time.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut yourself some slack. Plan to maintain your weight rather than lose any pounds during the holidays. Just try not to put on any extra.
• Take into account that alcohol is high in calories.
• See 24 Choose a Weight Loss Plan.
• Shopping malls and food courts make it all too easy to pick up a quick snack, usually high in fat, carbs and calories. Shop on a full stomach.