No doubt about it- with this special time of year comes an array of delicious and irresistible treats! Between baking for the neighbors, Christmas parties, family get-togethers, gifts from others, Christmas shopping, etc- it’s hard to not gain a few pounds! It’s probably no coincidence that the new year starts right after Christmas- that way we can all get a fresh start and lose those jolly pounds we gained during the holidays:).

However, some of us may not want to gain those few extra pounds… as amazing as all the Christmas goodies are, we need to be careful not to totally over do it! I don’t think there is anything wrong with a couple splurges now and then;), but if we are not careful these can add up really fast! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday season and all the treats it brings without starting to look a little too much like our jolly bearded friend;):

-Bake when you are full or chew gum! I know I am not the only guilty one that licks the spoon when I am done mixing something or tries a bite or two of something “to make sure it tastes ok” ;). This temptation is a lot easier to resist if you bake all your Christmas goodies when you wait til after you have eaten. That way, your eyes won’t be bigger than your stomach! If you’re not able to shift things around, try chewing gum while you bake- that orange roll won’t seem quite so appetizing when you have a spearmint taste in your mouth!

-Think before you eat. As I mentioned before, I think a little splurge here and there is totally healthy:). But sometimes we grab a treat because there is nothing else around or because we are bored. Before you bite into that chocolate orange, think if it is really worth the calories you are about to consume. If you think it’s worth it, go for it! If you decide that you’d rather save your appetite for dessert later, then you have just saved yourself a few (or maybe many more!) calories!

-It’s better to give than to receive. Sometimes we make more treats than we know what to do with- but this is the perfect time of year to give them away! You can spread a little cheer and save yourself a couple unwanted pounds;).

-Make healthier substitutes. I’m pretty sure that most the good recipes this time of year are loaded with butter, cream, and all sorts of wonderful things that are fattening. When making a recipe, try finding a healthier substitute or cutting back on the amounts a little, if the recipe will allow.

-Get sleep! Sleep actually helps us to lose weight because it allows our body to function at its full capacity. It’s easy to get caught up in gift-wrapping or baking and before we know it, bedtime is long past due. Make sure to take care of your body by getting the sleep it needs!

-Plan ahead. I know I’m not the only one that has realized it’s way past dinner time by the time I’ve finished running errands- and so it’s pizza or takeout or something else that’s fast and unhealthy for dinner. Make freezer meals and crock pots your best friend so that you don’t hurt your waistline or your budget as you are out and about getting things done.

- Don’t forget the exercise! It’s easy to skip our workouts when we think about all the Christmas shopping we have to do, all the baking that needs to be done, the errands that need to be done, the activities that need to be planned, etc. But that’s where those extra pounds can really get ya;). Make sure to continue your workout routine. You’ll have more energy later for all those things on your to-do list!

-Relax! Remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It’s easy to overeat or make poor food choices when we’re stressed or busy. Focus on the real reason for the season;).

Do you have any other tips for avoiding those extra pounds during the holidays?