Tips to avoid holiday weight gain

According to Sarah Crowell, registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Medical Center, the average person gains one pound each holiday season. So she recommends the following (which don't sound like much fun) as prep for the holiday meal.

•Eat before you greet
Eating a healthy snack before you head to a get-together may help you avoid those unhealthy binges.
•Choose the turkey
If you can, eat the lean white meat of turkey or trim the fat off of ham for a great source of protein.
•Avoid eggnog
In general, eggnog is high in fat and sugar. Instead, go for spiced ciders or water.
•Remember your vegetables
Incorporate vegetables into sides, dips and main dishes.
•Try angel food cake
Make a low calorie dessert such as angel food cake. It’s low in calories (made mostly of egg whites) and you can top it off with fresh fruit.
• Don’t drink your calories
Avoid drinking calorie-heavy beverages. Instead, try a lighter beverage and reserve the calories for something healthy that will satisfy your appetite.

Rebecca's Health tip for the Holidays

"NEVER GIVE UP is my tip for today. And I need it!

No matter how many home-made caramels you ate. No matter that you ate 12 dark chocolate truffles from the bag. In the car. Before you got home from the gift exchange. No matter that the day went by and you didn't get your 30 minute walk in. No matter that the scale shows you gained 2 pounds for the first time in six months of consistent loss or maintenance. No matter WHAT. Never give up. Begin where you left off and keep going strong!"

Rebecca's inspirational blog about weight loss: Power, Love and Self-Control.