The next few months are full of holiday celebrations. For many of us, this means traveling, busy schedules, broken routines, eating at restaurants and parties...and the list goes on. So, is it possible to stay healthy over the holidays? Is there enough time in the day for exercise? Is there any way to avoid the typical weight gain that everyone talks about? The answer is "yes" and "yes", but only with a little bit of planning. Here are some tips for staying healthy during the holidays.

PLAN AHEAD
*The night before a holiday dinner or party, think about what you'll have for breakfast and lunch. Choose some lighter options. It's also a good idea to have a healthy snack before heading to a holiday event. Arriving hungry will often lead to overeating. If possible, try to set some time aside for exercise. Go for a walk with a friend or family member, pop in a fitness video, or use a piece of your home fitness equipment. Even a 20 or 30 minute workout will help to make your day a little healthier. And don't forget the stress relief exercise brings!

IT'S OKAY TO SAY "NO"
*When you're offered seconds or desserts, remember that you have the option to say "no, thank you." Do it politely and with a smile. Or tell them that you'll have some "later." Then you can choose to have it later or not.

BE CHOOSY
*Choose the high-fat/high-calorie side dish or dessert that you would MOST ENJOY! It's not always a good idea to have a "sliver" or a "tiny bit" of everything - this often amounts to much more than you'd think. It's better to have an average size portion of one or two of your true favorites.

ENJOY
*Savor the foods that you've put on your plate. Take the time to taste and chew each bite. You'll enjoy your meal much more! And by the time you finish the food on your plate, you may find that you're too full for seconds.

Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday!

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