The holidays? Already? Most of us will say that they can't believe how fast the holidays are coming. This is the first year where our neighbors put Christmas lights up on Halloween night! I saw Halloween candy and Christmas inventory together at the stores.

For many of us, this time can be happy and also a time for worry about
weight gain. Many of us can ruin our whole year of training and improved wellness by gaining weight over the Holiday season.

So, to answer your question let's focus on what is achievable and won't make you feel like you're struggling. Instead of stressing about gaining weight this holiday season, focus on maintaining your current weight.

Here are 5 tips to help you maintain your weight over the holidays:

1. Workout in the morning or during the day - before you see the relatives for a Holiday dinner. If that's not possible, add an extra workout during the week.
2. Don't mindless munch - bring healthy snacks for everyone, so you can eat them during the day so you won't overeat too much during dinner. A veggie plate with low fat ranch dressing or my favorite, Trade Joe's Mediterranean hummus, is always a crowd pleaser. Other alternatives are baked chips and salsa or pretzels. Stay away from the Aunt who brings a cookie tray unless you can limit it to one.
3. When it's holiday dinner time, eat everything you want but eat slow, be one of the talkers during dinner so your brain triggers as you are getting full.
4. Dessert time - instead of eating both types of pie such as Grandma's apple pie or your traditional pumpkin, as my husband always wants to do, ask for a 1/2 slice of each to make one whole piece.
5. When eating leftovers: stick with white meat; use low fat salad dressing; if you must have gravy, limit it to just the mashed potatoes instead of adding it to the meat and dressing.

Lastly, enjoy the holidays, just be mindful of your food choices. One meal will not ruin you. Often the problem is the constant munching on sugary or buttery sweets. When you decide to eat a treat, take a moment to register what you are eating and limit it to one a day. Everything in moderation is key over this festive season.

Have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season and see you next year.