The Holidays are on their way, get ready!  The latest research states that the average American gains 5 to 10lbs between November and January.  Remember, preparation will be key to helping you manage the barrage of food choices and changes in your schedule. Emotions and stress are all part of the season.  The 10 healthful tips listed below should help you stay in control while enjoying your friends and family:

1. Exercise will help you manage your emotions and eliminate stress. If you have not been exercising this would be a great time to start. Your time to exercise has to be non-negotiable. So plan to get up 15 or 20 minutes early to use your treadmill or stand and sit continuously while watching the Morning News.  Using my Strength Training DVD, “The Magic is in the Movement” is also an option. Don’t let the lack of time become your excuse for not exercising.
2. Remember Thanksgiving is not the Last Supper, select only two carbs, i.e. sweet potatoes and dressing, and skip the rolls and corn. Remember only two and watch the portion size, you’ll be happy you did.
3. Ladies if you’re wearing a sleeveless gown or dress, do 15 pushups off the wall or dresser to show off those great shoulders, bi-ceps and tri-ceps. These exercises will send extra blood to your arms, helping them to look more tone and fit.
4. Eat before you go to your holiday party. Never go hungry to a dinner party. Eat a high protein source i.e. lean chicken, chili, lentil soup, any of these will satisfy you and help you stay in control and make better food choices once you arrive. Watch your portions, and never skip meals in anticipation of eating at an event; you will be more likely to overeat. 
5. Re-think your drink!!!  Choose smaller serving sizes of your favorites; alcohol also falls in this category.  Consider a low calorie beer and flavored or carbonated water.
6. Drink plenty of water. Water is a natural appetite suppressant; drink a glass of water before eating any meal or grazing the buffet table.
7. Mix up your exercise routines at home to avoid boredom.  Include Strength training, i.e. pushups off of your dresser or wall, squats and leg lifts for abdominals.    
8. Offer to bring a dish and bring your favorite low fat entree, then go and enjoy!
9. If you are the Host, help your guest by providing more tasty vegetables and salads. Put the vegetables and salads out first as appetizers before the higher calorie items.
10. Ask for a gym membership as a gift or Personal Training sessions, this will help you get started and keep you moving through the holidays!

The most important thing is to enjoy this special time of year with your friends and family….wishing you all the best!

Do you have some tips that have worked for you?