The season is upon us again, tis the season to overeat. Seems like no matter how hard you try, overeating during the holidays is as much a part of things as gifts and decorations. Make it different this year by following the few tips listed below, beginning with number ten and working our way to number one!



10) The simplest thing that you can do this holiday season to curb your overeating is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water daily and especially before that holiday get together. You will feel fuller faster and be less likely to overindulge.

9) Eat before you go! When attending the many holiday dinners and parties take the time to eat a healthy snack. When you do not go hungry, you will be less likely to over indulge.

8) Get a little of a lot. At many holiday functions there is more food in more varieties that you can shake a stick at. What trips many people up are that they feel they have to have a full plate of these goodies and then another full plate of those goodies. That is not the case. Rather than getting more of a little, why not get a little of a lot. This way you'll get to sample everything but your waistline will not expand.

7) Eat when you should eat. Try not to skip a meal thinking you are getting your stomach ready for a big meal later. This is probably the worst thing to do. Big meals late a night tend to stay with you for months and years to come long after the smooth taste has left.

6) Change the recipe. Rather than giving up the foods you love, why not make the foods you love healthy. Did you know that by shifting one ingredient for a healthier one, you can take a formally unhealthy dish and turn it into a healthy alternative?

5) Get active. Don't see this time of year as a time to rest, relax and take it easy. No, you should take the opportunity you have with your family to get in some good physical activity. Let me ask you, when is the last time you took your kids ice skating or sledding? If it doesn't snow where you are, why not take the kids to the park or on a paddle boat ride.

4) Stick to your normal workout schedule. Many times, during the holidays, we feel like there is just not enough time and the workout is easiest to skip. Don't skip it!

3) Go to dinner with a plan; you know that there will be delicacies aplenty when you attend holiday functions. Plan ahead of time what you will eat and how much. For instance, you may allow yourself a piece of pecan pie but decide to forego any other sweets.

2) Add some weight training to your work out. Knowing that you will be consuming more calories this time of year why not add some weight training to the mix. Lean tissue burns more calories than fat.

1) Let loose and hang out. While this is a time for family and friends to celebrate each other, it can also become a time when we get burned out from trying to be all things to all people. Take some time for yourself and breathe. This is your time to rest as well as serve.

Well, now you know how to maintain your weight even while attending holiday parties. Maybe you won't do all of these tips but how much better would you feel about yourself if you could do just 3 or 4 of the ten?