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How To

How to Stay on Your Diet During the Holidays

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(8 Ratings)

For most people, holiday eating means abandoning diets and gaining weight. A little advance planning can help prevent that post-holiday bulge without ruining your holiday feast.

From Quick Guide: Diet Do's and Don'ts
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Bottled Water
  • Fruits
  • Low-fat Food
  • Vegetables
  • Exercise Equipments
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  1. Step 1

    Reduce or avoid alcohol. This can save you a lot of calories.

  2. Step 2

    Eat before going to a holiday party. You'll be less likely to fill up on sweets and high-calorie appetizers.

  3. Step 3

    Keep up your exercise program. It will help you maintain your weight, give you more energy and allow you to deal better with holiday stress.

  4. Step 4

    Bring fat-free or low-fat dishes to potluck parties. Encourage others to do the same.

  5. Step 5

    Arrive at mealtime for a dinner party and avoid before-dinner drinks and appetizers.

  6. Step 6

    Replace sweets with healthy holiday snacks such as fruit baskets and nuts in shells. They look just as festive and are healthier.

  7. Step 7

    Attend only the parties you really want to go to. You'll save a lot of calories - and time.

  8. Step 8

    Simplify the meal if you are cooking. Serve raw vegetables with a dip for an appetizer, a low-fat main course with one or two vegetables, and a fruit and low-fat cheese platter for dessert.

  9. Step 9

    Set realistic goals. At a holiday dinner or party, indulge in some goodies, but eat smaller portions. Have only one glass of wine or Champagne. Take half a slice of pie.

  10. Step 10

    Avoid skipping meals before a big holiday meal. You don't want to arrive starving and then gorge yourself on sweets and other unhealthy fare.

  11. Step 11

    Use moderation and relax. If you break down and eat a high-fat dessert, just go easy on what you have the rest of the day or cut back a few calories tomorrow.

  12. Step 12

    Drink lots of water.

Tips & Warnings
  • Following common sense is your best bet.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with new - and healthier - types of holiday dinners.

Comments  

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on 6/5/2009 COOL

jad8depo81 said

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on 11/28/2008 eat whatever you want. i do and ive been using this program since last winter. it is crazy how much my life has changed. http://jad8depo.4idiots.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=1

Karenc1972 said

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on 11/16/2007 Soup is the party-goer's magic weapon. Having a bowl of healthy soup before attending any party will fill you up. It really helps avoid the temptation to graze at calorie/fat-laden buffet tables!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Pile your first plate with lots of veggies, salad (but watch the dressing!), whole fruits, and good proteins like white turkey and lean ham. Eating the healthier stuff first will fill you up and make you less tempted by the heavy carbs and fattening desserts.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I have actually tried all the tips recommended but the only way to stay on your diet-which i have failed to do-is to want to stay on your diet.

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