5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The season to be joyous and jolly has finally arrived! It's the first week of December and for many, this means the holiday festivities begin with indulging, drinking and being merry. Here are my top 5 tips for staying in control and fitting into your jeans come January. It's easier than you think!

Stay Hydrated. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily, including one glass before every meal. This will prevent you from overeating and more in control of your food consumption. Water helps flush toxins from your cells and aids in fat loss.

Ditch the defeatist attitude. We all fall off the wagon sometimes, but you can get back on! If you succumb to indulging in one too many sausage rolls or more martinis than you can remember, don't think "Well, I've already been bad, so I might as well continue eating and drinking what I want." Instead, enjoy the occasional indulgence and then return to your healthy eating ways the next day.

Don't wait till January to start an exercise regime. Get off the couch today. Aim to exercise 30-45 minutes everyday. Exercise can be cumulative -- so park further away from the shopping mall, take the stairs, walk to your holiday party. Exercises boosts your mood and your metabolism.

Never go to a party hungry. Eat a meal or a light snack BEFORE the holiday party. This will prevent you from overeating those calorie-rich appetizers such as cheese sticks and holiday cookies.

Fill up on fiber rich snacks. Choose the party snacks that are richest in minerals, vitamins and fiber. Fiber keeps you fuller longer. Good choices are veggies and dip, pita and hummus, baked spring rolls, salsa and blue corn chips. Avoid trans-fat laden mini quiches, sausage rolls, bread with mayo-based dips and sugar packed snacks.

You can still enjoy the holiday parties and treat yourself a little without gaining weight, just don't go overboard. You won't sabatage your weight loss goals if you have a small piece of your aunt's famous carrot cake. Practice these 5 tips and don't deprive yourself. EnJOY and be MERRY!

Let the festivities begin.