Holiday Survival Guide

Here's a bit of advice I read recently.  It's not about deprivation, calorie counting, or starvation.  It's about eating healthfully, making choices, and indulging slightly.  It might be something to help you as you head in to this holiday season.  I am here to help you stay fit and healthy.  Read on, and try it out!

It's no secret that most people gain 5 to 10 pounds over the next month. With all the parties, special meals and edible gifts, weight gain is pretty much inevitable...right?

Not necessarily. Here's a survival strategy to keep holiday pounds from making a permanent home on your hips or belly.

Golden Tip to Avoid Holiday Pounds: Spend the next 4 weeks eating like a caveman, with 2 daily exceptions.

Here's why: Holiday pounds are caused by eating too many foods that are high in carbohydrates/simple sugars and fats.

You can avoid all that by sticking with an eating plan created by our pre-historic ancestors, while still keeping things fun by allowing for 2 small daily exceptions.

This is what you sould eat...

As many fresh and fiber-filled vegetables as you want.

• Load up on salads (avoid the fatty dressing and croutons)
• Enjoy more vegetable side dishes (as unembellished as possible)
• Avoid starchy vegetables like potato and corn.

Lots of lean, protein-filled meats(or non-meat) and eggs.

• Stick with meat that has been roasted, barbequed, or baked.
• Avoid fried or processed meats.
• Try 4 egg whites with one yolk

Fruits, nuts and seeds in moderation

• A piece of Fresh fruit is a delicious dessert.
• A small handful of nuts or seeds for a snack.
• Don't eat sugar-added fruits, nuts or seeds.

Then enjoy 2 small exceptions...

• Bread or grain product: No larger than the size of your hand.
• Starchy vegetables: Half of a cup.
• Baked goods: Should fit into the palm of your hand.
• Candies or confections: The smaller the better.
• Holiday drink: 8 ounces.

This plan works because it allows you to indulge in 2 exceptions each day. This encourages you to pick and choose the holiday cheat food that you really love, as opposed to eating everything in sight. Don't eat the cheese dip and chips just because it's there, be picky and choose what you really want for a treat. (Gramma's rum balls that you only get once a year!)

When you navigate the buffet line at your next holiday party, feel confident knowing that you have a game plan. Stick with salad, vegetables and meats first, then pick out your 2 small exceptions and savor those.