Holiday weight gain. Everyone fears it, in that dreaded holiday rush between Thanksgiving and New Year’s that so often has people professing the diet starts New Year’s Day. The reality is that people put on less than three pounds during the holidays, but it can feel like a lot more. To avoid even this slight gain, and make the most of the holidays and your health, heed these simple pointers:

Change your fitness routine…temporarily
Days are short and free time is even shorter, reorganize any fitness routine you have to reflect that. Get up earlier to run with the sun, or do a quarter or half your normal workout in order to save time. Don’t make it a permanent change, but be willing to be a little flexible so that you at least do some working out, and don’t cut it out completely due to lack of energy or time. Make the holidays a time to maintain your current weight, and don’t expect any miraculous weight losses during this time with lofty diet/fitness goals.

Work out with the family
There is always the temptation to hit the couch and turn on “It’s A Wonderful Life” after a holiday meal, but whether with friends or family, take a stroll around the neighborhood to work off a little of those potatoes and stuffing. It will also inspire some conversation with your loved ones, and make the best use of time spent with them during the holidays.

Eat beforehand
There are always tons of festivities and get-togethers during the holidays, with family or friends, which include indulgent food. The holidays only come around once a year, so feel free to give yourself a little break and enjoy the season, but don’t over-indulge. How do you walk that line effectively? Think about Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With the Wind,” and the advice she is given before attending the Twelve Oaks barbecue: eat before the party. That way you won’t feel famished halfway through and overindulge in chocolates, liquor, and appetizers as a substitute for a complete meal.

Eat healthier
There are always options for eating healthier, even with the traditionally rich holiday meals. Salad with vinaigrette dressing, cranberries, and substituting low fat sour cream or low fat butter in that baked potato are a good way to start. Also, if turkey is a tradition for you and your family, reach for the white meat rather than dark meat since it is a good source for lean protein.

Cheat sheet
If you are plagued by worries of holiday weight gain, there are two simple tricks to curb the temptation. First, make sure to drink plenty of water. Oftentimes people will overeat because they are dehydrated, not because they are hungry. Second, brush your teeth after each meal. You may pass on the chocolate cake or pumpkin pie if you brushed your teeth after the main course; no one wants to mix that toothpaste taste with food.

Above all, remember that the holidays only come around once a year, so don’t sacrifice anything at the cost of enjoying yourself. ‘Tis the season, after all!

–Matthew Krajewski