7 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

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This post was written by: Pat Kennelly

How is it possible that Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away? I just heard that some malls and stores will now be opening on Thanksgiving day just so we can start the season a little earlier. I avoid the shopping craziness by buying only at local shops or online. But along with the shopping comes the celebrating. Office parties, family functions, open houses and cookie season seems to start just as the Halloween candy ends. How can you celebrate the season without packing on the pounds?

*Make a new family tradition, the annual Turkey Trot. Starting on Thanksgiving afternoon, walk 1 hour a day. No excuses. If this seems overwhelming break it up into 2 walks a day. 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes after dinner.

The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays & Everydays

*Offer new healthier foods in addition to your not-so-healthy traditional fare. Get the family involved in recipe testing.

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Semi-Homemade Cooking Made Light

The Best Light Recipe (The Best Recipe)

*Plan ahead. If you have a family dinner coming up where you know you’ll overindulge eat sensibly the rest of the day or the week.

*Always take fruit salad to potlucks. It’s a welcome sight to many and you’ll always have a sugar-free dessert to munch on.

*Eat before you go to parties. Just like grocery shopping on an empty stomach, the array of tantalizing trays of goodies can be overwhelming. Eat a small meal before and you’ll be less likely to binge.

*Pick your favorites and enjoy them. If you really love your Grandma’s molasses cookies but only eat the pecan pie because Aunt Sarah makes it once a year, eat the cookies and leave the pie. Don’t eat more calories just to please.

*Don’t make the holidays all about the food. Remember the real reason for the celebration. Celebrate your time together with great conversation, day trips, and games.