Healthy Holidays

Family, fun…and FOOD! It's what the holidays are all about, right? But that doesn't mean you have to pack on the holiday pounds. Start the holiday season off right by balancing the calories you consume with the calories you burn, and avoid holiday weight gain. Here are some ways to help you eat healthier and move more this holiday season.

This Holiday Season Maintain, Don’t Gain!

It’s challenging to keep the pounds off during the holiday season. The temptation to eat rich, high-calorie food is everywhere. Here are some suggestions for cutting your calories.

• Enjoy your holiday comfort foods, but try a lower-calorie version. Use lower-calorie ingredients or prepare meals differently. For example, if your macaroni and cheese recipe uses whole milk, butter, and full-fat cheese, try remaking it with non-fat milk, less butter, light cream cheese, fresh spinach and tomatoes. Learn more at: Eat More Weigh Less

• Fruits and Veggies: keep it simple! Most fruits and veggies are low-calorie and will fill you up, but the way you prepare them can change that. Breading and frying, and using high-fat creams or butter with vegetables and fruit will add extra calories. Try steaming vegetables and using spices and low-fat sauces for flavor. And enjoy the natural sweetness of raw fruit. Learn more at: How to Use Fruits and Veggies to Manage Your Weight.

• Eat smaller food portions. When eating out, save some of your meal and take it home to make another meal or split one meal between two people. At home, try putting only the amount you want to eat in a small bowl and don't go back for more. People eat more when confronted with larger portion sizes. For more ideas, visit: How to Avoid Portion Size Pitfalls to Help Manage Your Weight.

• Drink water. Give your water a little pizzazz by adding a wedge of lime or lemon. This may improve the taste, and you just might drink more water than you usually do. Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. This tip can help with weight management. Substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar-sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories. Learn more at: Rethink Your Drink

• Eat breakfast every day. When you don't eat breakfast, you are likely to make up for the calories you saved by eating more later on in the day. Many people who maintain long-term weight loss eat breakfast daily. Learn more at: Keeping it Off.

Get Active, Healthy, and Happy

Maintain your physical activity routine. Regular physical activity is an important part of maintaining weight loss. Keep up your good habits before, during, and after the New Year. Make a goal with a friend to achieve the Physical Activity Guidelines! Visit CDC's Physical Activity Website for details.

• Regular physical activity helps with weight control, reduces the risk for many diseases, and strengthens muscles, bones and joints.

• Sign up for a 5K walk or run to keep your mind focused on physical activity goals. Maintain your physical activity during the holidays — better yet, try to get more active!

• Find fun, creative ways your friends and family can spend time being active instead of eating.