The Holiday Season is full of delicious food, and since it is such a special time of the year, who am I to tell you to not go back for seconds? Follow these simple tips to savor every bit of holiday yum without gaining any weight!
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1) Exercise Early
           You’ve been told forever that early bird gets the worm. Well, it’s true. The earlier you get going, the faster your metabolism will be throughout the day, allowing you to burn more calories all day long. And let’s face it, you’ll feel much better getting a morning workout in before the big meal, versus having to overcome the hibernation feeling that kicks in after the meal. Make it fun by going for a run with your sibling, walk your dog, or do a fun cardio video with friends. You’ll feel better and your body will thank you.
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2)Portions!!
           Just because you’re hitting the buffet doesn’t mean you don’t lose control over portion size. Definitely enjoy everything, but make sure you portion it all out on your plate. Think of it as “sampling” everything! And as for seconds, definitely feel free to hit the line twice, but try only getting seconds of food you really enjoy!
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3) Eat what you like…and stop when you’re fullÂ
           It can be tempting to try everything and anything, but when it comes to eating during the holidays it’s all about common sense. Only try things you actually find delicious that are worth the calories to you. No need to try Grandma’s Fruitcake if you really don’t like it. Being selective will allow you to enjoy what you really want, without gaining extra pounds from the food you’re only feeling so-so about. Also, listen to your body! When you feel full stop eating. A great way to listen to your body’s signals better is to eat slower, so that your stomach can catch up with your brain and you’ll know when you’re full sooner rather than later.
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4) Drink More WATER
           Water is always the best option for beverage choice. At zero calories, it cannot be beat. Also, the more water you drink the fuller you will feel, thus controlling your appetite throughout the day. You’ll feel better and look great!
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5) Wear nice clothes
           This is a given for any holiday season, but staying out of sweats is a great way to ensure you’re not gaining any weight. When you’re wearing nice clothes, you’ll be more body conscious, and thus more aware of how much you’re eating. This way you’ll think twice before grabbing your fifth round of Oreo balls at that holiday party. When you dress up you’ll feel fantastic, and you’ll also feel amazing knowing that you’re eating and looking your best.
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6) Enjoy Winter Activities
           The Christmas season is a great time to try new things. So take this time to hit the slopes and try skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, or even snow shoe-ing! Why not? These are fun activities that are seasonal, but will also provide some great cardio to give your metabolism a kick into high gear. Also, if you haven’t checked out how cute ski gear can be, then get with it and do some shopping to score some fun gear. Also, if you want to really learn the sport, then get bold and sign up for lessons and meet a cute instructor who can help you all the way down the hill.  Not to mention you’ll be surrounded by hotties all the way down who will be more than happy to help you learn the difference between toe side and heel side.
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With these simple tips you’ll be in great shape to avoiding gaining any weight from holiday meals. No matter what though, remember to enjoy this special season with family and friends! Stay healthy and vibrant, and I promise you can have your cake and eat it too!