Just 10 more days to Christmas, the usual Saturday posting of Miracles of the Scales is on hold for the holiday season.

Did you know that the average holiday meal is often around 4,000 calories (enough to gain one pound)?  The average person gains 1 to 7 lbs during the holiday season.  This isn’t a disaster, IF the holiday season ends and healthier choices are made the rest of the year and activity is increased to shred the extra holiday pounds.  However, with snow and ice and leftovers most of us (myself included in the past) go into hibernation mode and continue eating and relaxing on the couch until the spring thaw.

The holiday meal often inlcudes appetizers, drinks and desserts which all add up quickly. For example, one bite of a fried or creamy dip appetizer item is about 50 calories.   Fresh veggies with salsa dip would be a wonderful healthier alternative.  Whenever possible keep your portions small, choose lighter versions of an item (i.e. rum and diet coke, instead of rum and coke), fruit or mergingue cookies (instead of rich desserts).  

Create a festive atmosphere with decorations, music, and good cheer and colorful foods like fruit and veggies. But most importantly, hug your family and friends, enjoy life, and keep active and put the brakes on the holiday eating the rest of the year. 

For more healthy eating tips for surviving  the holidays check out the MSNBC article Holiday Weight Gain Fears Often Exaggerated.

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