It is almost Christmas!

It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday season however the delicious treats and parties can definitely tax the waistline. All of the extras can quickly add up and, before you know it, you have packed on anywhere from three to five pounds.

That may not sound like much however, depending on your body composition type, it may be challenging to shed the additional weight.

Despite that, it is not necessary to go into depravation mode where you limit your holiday intake to chicken breasts and broccoli; just try and practice eating a little defensively. Below, a few tips:

Be picky

Don’t eat any and everything at holiday parties. Pick only your favourite foods and stick to smaller portions.

Pause before going back for more

It takes a few minutes for your body to register that you have had enough. After you finish your first serving, take a ten-minute break to make conversation, visit the bathroom or grab some water. Then check in to see how you feel. You might realise you are full, or want only a small portion the second time around.

Pick your space

Try and stand away from the food so that you aren’t just mindlessly eating. If you are normally a mindless eater, chew gum or suck on a mint so you won’t keep reaching for food.

Eat before you leave home

Before going to a party, eat a high-protein meal so you aren’t starving when you arrive. Try something like apple slices and peanut butter or a slice of turkey and cheese with whole-wheat crackers.

Pick your drink wisely

If you drink alcohol, have a glass of water or seltzer water with a splash of juice in between your drinks. That lovely holiday eggnog can set you back about 500 calories. Beer, wine and mixed drinks start at 150 calories and go up!

Eat before you drink

Alcohol increases your appetite, disables your ability to control what you eat, and will cause you to get tipsy a lot faster without any food in your stomach.

Keep moving

Dancing is a great way to burn calories. Even if you are only at a family gathering, put on some old school songs and get moving.

Eat your veggies

Load your plate up with veggies and fruit when you go to parties. They will fill you up and make it harder to pig out on the junk.

Lastly, pay attention to what truly matters

Although food is a very important part of the holidays, put the most focus on your family and friends and providing them with as much happiness as you can! If you are normally balanced and moderate with your eating, it’s okay to indulge or overeat once in a while.

Have a wonderful holiday season and B-Active For Life!

Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B.ActiveForLife on Facebook