This is a wonderful time of year to celebrate with family and friends. But for many, the holidays also bring extra pounds as we indulge in the sweets, treats, big meals, parties and family traditions of the season. Don’t let the eggnog get you down, or the scale moving up! Here are 10 proven strategies to let you enjoy all the warmth of the season while keeping you healthy and happy.

1. Use exercise to help balance extra calories. Make regular, daily exercise a priority; don’t let the busy season derail your plans. Add extra sessions or keep at it a little longer if you feel you are indulging more than usual.

2. Decide ahead of time what and how much you will eat and drink before going to social functions or holiday meals. If you have thought through your choices and visualized what you will eat and drink, you are much more likely to follow that plan.

3. Don’t go to a social function hungry!  Eat a small amount of protein such as string cheese, hard boiled egg, turkey, or ½ oz of nuts, or an apple or carrots before you go. This will be especially helpful if alcoholic beverages are served.  The effects of alcohol are felt much more quickly on an empty stomach and can lead to overeating & overdrinking.

4. Volunteer to bring a dish to the party so that you know there will be something healthful there that you can enjoy.

5. Fill your plate ¾ full with fruit and vegetable dishes. This will help to make sure you are filling up on healthy foods and will also help to minimize total calories consumed. Look over the food and choose a couple of higher calorie items you want to try; add just those to your plate. Portion control is the key to success: think moderation.

6. Exercise prior to a high calorie meal, and before going to social functions where there will be food. You will be more apt to make healthier choices following an exercise session.

7. Don’t skip breakfast.  Studies show those who skip breakfast eat more calories later in the day and may burn less calories overall by not getting their metabolism revved in the morning. 

8. Focus on friends & family. Try a new tradition of playing a game, recalling a favorite holiday memory or singing some carols. Form holiday traditions that don’t include eating or cooking.

9. Manage the stress! Exercise helps keep you energized & ready to handle the stress this time of the year can bring. Maintaining your physical activity routine during the holiday is critical to overall health. If time is an issue, walk an extra lap or two around the mall before you shop, park farther from the door, or walk around your office on breaks. It really helps!

10. When cooking holiday meals at home, keep the menu simple & cook smaller amounts; you don’t need multiple desserts or leftovers.

Staying focused on your eating and exercise goals. Even writing your goals down will let you feel in control and ensure you start 2009 on the road to health!