Okay, so you made it through Turkey day, now the challenge is to make it through the next few weeks without gaining weight.  The average weight gain during the holidays is 5-7 lbs.  So, below are some tips on how to maintain your weight for the next few weeks....then you can go on your new weight loss plan starting Jan 1, 2010. 

1.  EAT BREAKFAST!  - Please do not forget to eat breakfast.  Studies show that people who eat breakfast will eat fewer calories throughout the day. 

2.  Exercise MORE!  OMG!  did she say exercise more?  Yes I did.  If you are going to indulge (or over-indulge) then you have to burn more energy/calories.  Now, you can decide on how YOU want to exercise more.  Dancing, walking, hiking, biking, golfing, swimming, are just a few ways to keep you moving.  Guess what else exercise does.  It helps you cope with STRESS!  So exercising more during the holidays will help you maintain your weight, AND it will help you maintain your sanity. 

3.  Eat a healthy snack, salad or bowl of broth based soup before going to a party - Doing this will take the edge off of your hunger and you are less likely to pig out...I mean over eat. 

4.  Use a plate - Putting your food on a plate will help you keep track of what you have eaten.  Grazing leads to mindless eating, which leads to extra calories consumed. 

5.  Control your portions - Keep your portions small especially of the dangerous, creamy, cheesy, chocolaty goodies that are out there.

6.  Enjoy what you eat - Take your plate, sit down and slowly savor every bite.  Take time to enjoy what your are eating.  Take in the smell of the food, the texture, the flavor, the spices, and also, the music, the people, and the decorations.  When we take time to eat, it gives our stomach time to tell our brain, we are full and satisfied. 

Good luck and Happy Holidays