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Though the holiday season presents many opportunities to overstuff, turn to these tips to keep your figure from fluctuating.

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The average holiday meal has enough calories for an entire day. The gluttony happens at Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, the Super Bowl—events all filled with opportunities to overstuff. Overindulgence can feel like a dent in the quest for improved health. One may attend a few events and feel derailed and that it will take months to get back on track.

There is a myth, however, regarding the amount of weight gain one experiences during the holidays. Most think it is five to 10 pounds, when actual holiday weight gain is about one to two pounds. The problem comes when these pounds aren’t lost, and next year’s holiday festivities add another two pounds, year after year. In a few years, 20 pounds have been added to the mid-section, hips and thighs—all thanks to the holidays.

Surprisingly, some of the healthiest foods are holiday staples. The Thanksgiving table doesn’t have to be a disaster for one’s diet and well-being. When choosing what to eat at parties, focus on the positive. For example, turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and shrimp contains plenty of protein and is very low in fat. Almonds have protein and fat, which control blood sugar and appetite, making the nut a great snack. For something sweet, cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and phytonutrients while sweet potatoes contain a great amount of vitamins and fiber.

In addition to watching what one eats during holiday time, it is also important to keep active. Lia Pulver, fitness director at Camelback Village, offers tips for beating holiday bulge.

TO LEARN MORE
Village Health Clubs and Spas www.villagelubs.com.