Losing weight is the hardest thing to achieve this time of year. If you are losing weight, then my hat goes off to you, as you’re clearly missing out on the majority of the populations holiday issue. If you want to be more realistic, focus on maintaining your current weight rather then trying to lose it. There will be a lot of temptation around you this time of year, and you will be in a better mental state if you indulge yourself a little rather then trying to avoid it completely. Follow these tips to keep you on track this holiday season.

Never go to a party hungry, and don’t skip meals because you think you will be eating a lot later. By doing this, you pretty much put one foot in the grave towards failure. Skipping a meal or going to a party hungry not only crashes your metabolism but leaves you more susceptible to overeating. If you’re going to a party, plan for it appropriately. Eat several small meals or snack throughout the day. Never go more then three hours between meals; this will keep your metabolism revved up and help keep you feeling full so you are less likely to overeat.

Limit yourself to one serving of holiday treats or candy a day. This allows you to indulge the craving while keeping your intake of treats in check. Remember to adjust your caloric intake to compensate for the added calories. If you don’t have any holiday treats on one day, never double up the next day. Limit yourself to one serving a day and stick to it!

By far, the best thing you can do to help avoid those extra holiday pounds is to keep moving! Working out is the best way to help burn off those extra calories you will be taking in. I know this time of year can become hectic with all the shopping and parties, but make time for your workouts. You can do them first thing in the morning. With morning workouts, you are less likely to run into excuses that may arise later in the day. Aside from getting it out of the way, exercising in the morning has some added health benefits as well.

Hopefully these tips will keep you on the way to managing your weight this holiday season. There will be a lot of temptation for weight gain out there, but if you stick to these tips, you will manage through it.

-Scott