How to : Have "HOLIDAY FUN, EAT (and not gain one pound)

My wife and I have spent several recent Christmas and New Years in Las Vegas. Last year we saw Elton John in concert. This year, who knows. Vegas is in the toilet economically - our **** hotel is only $89 per night. But, I have to be honest, here. A lot of this has to do with the BUFFET'S. You cast your eyes on the tables; heaping dishes of food, and you begin to think about how you can eat, eat, and eat some more. Maybe even stuff some of the pastry goodies in my wife's huge purse. Don't tell her.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    
   Santa says....eat as much as you want on Christmas

   It's great to eat and savor every bite. I'm a damn good cook, but not like this. Most people, including me, dig in then suffer holiday remorse and guilt afterward. Not sure why. It's my body. I watch my weight, walk five days a week...so what's the big deal? Well, for you readers, it's NOT a big deal. A research done by a large Medical Center back east, indicated that if you have been sensible in your eating and exercise habits during the year, you will NOT gain weight from one meal itself. A splurge or two or three is perfectly OK.

2. 
    
   Hopefully, these are full of chocolates and Mr. Goodbar's.

   After reading more on the subject of "holiday eating" I have come to this conclusion, and thought I'd write down a few for you to ponder:
   1. - Never deny yourself an occasional treat. You can eat something of everything, but you need to know how much, and push your plate away. I have a hard time doing that, but promise I'll work on it when I get home.

3. 
    
   Same to YOU!

   2. - Eat slowly and chew until hell freezes over.
   3. - Limit the booze intake. It can stimulate your appetite.
   4. - Never go to a Vegas buffet hungry. Snack a bit before hand and you might not think about stuffing yourself.
   5. - Don't sit at the table thinking: "I'm not going to eat too much so I can save up for all those fancy deserts. Oops.
   6. - Try to eat a lot of vegetables along with that 1/2 inch cut of prime rib with horseradish sauce.

Tips & Warnings

• When you get home, don't let all this holiday fun keep you from your regular walking/exercise routines. Burn as many calories as you can, and remember, MODERATION is the key now and forever. You can be on a diet, but you can still read the menu. Oh....did you know it takes your stomach about 20 minutes to tell your brain...NO MAS?