Both the these occasions are cultural traditions that place a major emphasis on food and eating. For this reason, many people have a tendency to put on weight during this time of the year.

With all of the good food at your disposal during this time, it is very easy to become lax and eat in excess. Some of the eating may be blamed on the emotions of holiday joy and some on merely a lack of discipline.

Most of us approach the holiday season with the attitude that we can be a little reckless with out eating habits during this time then correct them come January the 1st.

There is a better to approach these festivities without putting on these extra pounds.

Take a look at the following suggestions and enjoy the season without facing the New Year attempting to crash diet to get rid of the weight gained.

1. Do not plan to diet during the holiday season. Keep focused on maintaining your present weight whether it be "in excess" or what you consider suitable. With the difficulty of dieting during this time, a lot of people become disheartened and gets into the failure mode which hurts their attempts to loose weight after the holidays. Also, do not over eat during the holidays with the intentions of dieting afterwards. This type of eating makes weight regain more probable after you have gone on a diet and lost weight.

2. With the relaxed atmosphere and likelihood of a decrease in most physical activity during the holidays weight gain is more likely. Everyone has time off from their normal routines and activities thus being less likely to burn as many calories. Plan an exercise routine such as walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging. Not only does this help keep the weight off but it also helps to relieve stress brought on by the holiday season.

3. Make a holiday schedule of where you will be and what foods will be available to you. Plan in your own mind how much and of what you are going to indulge in. You will be better prepared to meet each situation as it arises. This can help you eat with more control.

4. If you are going to an evening party or dinner, eat a light and healthy snack before you go. Do not go hungry anticipating a huge meal. This is very important especially if the meal is later in the evening. Fruit or yogurt works well for this. A glass of water before eating can help to suppress your appetite.

5. Try to avoid eating an abundance of snack or "pickup" foods. This is  one situations where we can lose track of how much we have really eaten. It is so easy to munch every time that we get close to the presentation table. Fix yourself a conservative size plate and concentrate on the healthier foods such as vegetables and fruits. Eat at a slower pace and drink water to help squelch you appetite. Locate yourself away from the food table.

6. If you are not doing the cooking, reduce the fat intake with the foods that you eat. If you are preparing the food, use recipes and procedures that help reduce the fat in the meal. Use recipes with less fat and calories where possible. Magazines and recipe websites are loaded with foods for the health conscious.

7. Be sure that your beverage choices are for your best interest. Try to drink water or diet sodas as much as possible. These will help curb your appetite and also reduce calorie and fat intake. Beware of soda and other drinks that are full of sugar and calories. If you are drinking alcoholic beverages, limit yourself to a few drinks. Mixed drinks and wine are full of calories and also slow down your metabolism.

8. Keep the right perspective and maintain good eating and drinking habits during the holiday season. Make the most out of the season and also enjoy your family and friends. Happy and friendly relationships help you stay focused on all of the activities and not just the holiday foods.

Enjoy The Entire Holiday Season!!

Choosing The Right Foods