
We recently featured part 1 of this series from our friends at Organic Authority. Here are some additional tips.
Dessert Strategy. Allow your children one dessert per event, and discuss this with them in advance. If accompanying children to a party, supervise their choices by asking them what they really want out of what’s available and reinforcing that they cannot have everything.
Do a Trade-Off With Exercise. Eating more during the holidays can be partially offset by a moderate and daily increase in physical exercise. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day with available family members. Plan active play dates instead of going to the movies, where kids tend to sit more and ask for junk foods.
Veggies Rule! If you’re throwing a party, have lots of vegetables available instead of chips only. Prepare lower-fat dips and offer salsa. Explain to your guests in advance your resolve to make this a healthier holiday season, and ask them to keep this in mind when preparing any dish they may bring.
Beverage Smarts. Limit high-calorie beverages like sodas, juices, smoothies and blended coffee drinks, or skip them altogether if indulging in a special dessert. There are nearly 150 calories in one 12-ounce can of soda or juice. Smoothies and coffee drinks are often 250–500 calories, excluding the whipped cream.
Avoid Skipping Meals. Starving yourself before a party or get-together increases the odds you’ll overeat when the festivities begin.
Baking Savvy. When baking holiday cookies, buy smaller cookie cutters. Sample fewer cookies by munching on other sweets like diced apples, pears and strawberries, which you can place near the cooking area. Also keep some sparkling water or water with lemon wedges close by.
Surviving Holiday Meals. At holiday meals, eat more of the roasted turkey, as it’s naturally lower in fat and calories. Take smaller portions of gravy and stuffing, and avoid that second piece of pie. Naturally sweetened cranberry sauce, plain baked yams and light whipped cream or fat-free frozen yogurt on pie will allow you to enjoy traditional holiday foods, while keeping calories down.
Leftover Largesse. If a holiday party is held at your house, send some of the leftovers home with your guests.
Slow Down! Encourage your kids and family members to eat slowly, which will help everyone eat less, yet feel full and satisfied.
“Maintain.” During the holidays, set a realistic goal to “maintain, not gain” weight.
Be Positive. Don’t let your weight and cravings take control of you.
Editor's note: Authored by Barbara Feiner of Organic Authority. OrganicAuthority provides information about organic food, organic living, health and beauty. Laura Lynn Klein is an expert on organic food and living and is the publisher of OrganicAuthority.com. To receive free tips on organic food, living, health and beauty, sign up for their free newsletter today. She also leads workshops and seminars on healthy organic living. Check out the original post here.

Comments
this is a hard one