Seven Holiday Secrets

The holidays are full of fun parties, family get togethers, and of course delicious food!  Its easy to go overboard with the cookies and cocktails.  I used to be so obsessed and worried about what I ate that I couldn't enjoy the company or the great food around me.  Now I know it's all about planning, moderation, and portion control.  I am sharing seven secrets that allow you to enjoy the holiday season and keep you on track with healthy living...

1. Register yourself for a run (or a few!) that is going to take place around the holidays.  Set a time for yourself so you have a goal.  If you have something to work towards you will be less likely to slack off on your workout routine despite the busy schedule you may have due to the holidays. I always do the Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving morning.  Its a great way to give back to families in need and I can enjoy a great Thanksgiving feast knowing I burned all those calories in the A.M.
2. When invited to a pot-luck style party, volunteer yourself to bring a healthy dish.  You may think people only want to binge on unhealthy holiday treats, but most are relieved to see at least one healthy food on the table. PS it doesn't have to be a salad!  Visit Eatingwell.com for tons of healthy holiday appetizers and recipes.
3. Host a party at your place.  This gives you more control over the menu.  Try making a healthy main dish and a choice of cocktails and drinks that aren't loaded with sugar.  Ask everyone else to bring side dishes of their choice.
4. Avoid rewarding yourself with food.  Its easy to bribe yourself into exercising with the promise of a juicy burger after a hard workout, however this is a bad habit to fall into.  Instead, concentrate on how good you'll feel after a long run, or how much fun you'll have going out with friends after you sweat it out in spin class.
5.  Cool it on the cocktails.  Before you even step foot into a party, set a drink limit for the night.  When you set a limit for yourself, you are more likely to savor each drink instead of downing it in the first 3 minutes.  Have a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage to keep yourself hydrated.  This is the rule I use: I start off the night with a fun, sugary cocktail of my choice, then stick to low-cal drinks after that like vodka with club soda and lime.
6. Add a pre-party meal.  You might be tempted to skip meals in preparation for a party later in the evening.  However, arriving to a party on an empty stomach will undoubtedly lead to over eating.  Not to mention, when you skip meals you are slowing down your metabolism.  Instead, eat small meals throughout the day and have a protein packed snack before heading out the door.  I usually choose an apple with peanut butter or hummus spread on some pita chips.
7. Don't beat yourself up.  The holidays are meant to be enjoyed; not to obsess about every little bite of cake that crosses your lips.  If you slip up and go overboard with unhealthy food, don't give yourself a hard time.  Instead, commit the next few days to eating really healthy or make a healthy recipe you've been meaning to try out.