The holidays are upon us and so are all of our excuses to not take care of our health.  Too many parties, dinners, family members pushing fudge and cookies and positively no time to get into the gym.  The pressures are many, but we don’t have to give in.  We are in control of very few things in this world, but one thing that we are in absolute control of is what we eat. 
 
Here are a few tips to help you make better choices while you are out and about.

1. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve each only encompass one day.  One.  On these days,   allow yourself to have some fun.  Have a dessert or a cocktail.  Watch portion sizes and you can eat just about anything. 
2. Before you go to a party, eat a little, but not a full meal.  Who are we kidding?  You are going to sample the food even you just ate a five-course dinner!  Hopefully it will be easier  if you had a healthy mini-meal before you arrive.
3. If the buffet is full of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres,  make a lap and decide what looks good and then choose your top four.  Allow yourself two of each of those four.
4. Start with the veggies!  Go for one or two of the treats and then back to veggies.  Eat as many veggies as you can stand.
5. If you are attending a sit down dinner, maintain your normal portion sizes.  3-5oz of protein, 1/2 cup of starch (carbs), a tablespoon or two of other sides and all of the steamed/roasted/grilled vegetables you want.
6. Have a cocktail if you like, but alternate with sparkling water.  If it is available, a twist of lemon or lime is always a nice addition to fizzy water.
7. Do not feel guilty turning down food.  This is important! You are in control, not the bearer of the food tray.  When you are at your limit, simply say “No, thank you,” and move on.
8. Conversely, don’t be the person who pushes food on people.  If someone says no, let it go.  It is not a personal attack on your cooking.
9. Lastly, you really do have time to workout.  You can still go in before or after work and on weekends.   Make the goal three days per week.  Three workouts per week are the minimum if you want to maintain during the holidays.  If you make it in more, great!