This sexy santa could jingle my bells...

The holidays are upon us, but they need not be upon your waistline too. Here are my top 7 tips for eating healthy and staying fit during the holidays!

1. Wait 15 – 20 minutes before getting a second plate. It takes your body 15 – 20 minutes to feel full after eating – so if you go up for seconds immediately after finishing your first plate, your body may already be full. And guess where that extra food will end up? So hold off for a few minutes and then reassess your hunger.
2. Know your gym’s holiday schedule and plan in advance. It’s very likely that your gym will have a modified schedule for the slew of upcoming holidays. Visit your gym’s website or give them a call. See how their reduced hours will impact your workout schedule, and plan accordingly. If your gym is closed for a holiday, try to get your workout in the day before – or plan some alternative exercise for that day like biking or jogging outside.
3. Drink lots of water. Dehydration is often misunderstood by the body as hunger – keeping your body well-watered will help reduce your food intake. Water may not be as tasty as eggnog, but your body will certainly appreciate it more. Replacing alcoholic or sugary drinks with water will greatly decrease the number of calories you consume.
4. Use an appetizer plate. If you munch directly from an appetizer platter or bowl, it’s easy to eat a lot more than you intended. To avoid this scenario, simply use an appetizer plate and select your munchies in advance. Eat what’s on your plate, and then know when to quit.
5. Eat an apple before big meals! I used this tip yesterday at my grandmother’s 90th birthday party. If you know that there is going to be a lot of high-calorie and unhealthy food available to you, eat an apple before you leave the house. Apples are a good source of fiber – it will help you feel full and make you less likely to overeat the unhealthy stuff.
6. Use a smaller plate. If you take a big plate, you’re probably going to put more food on it. Using a smaller plate will help you select more sensible portions.
7. Be grateful and donate leftovers. Express gratitude that you are in the fortunate situation of having too much food to eat during the holidays. Remember that many people spend their holidays hungry. Instead of storing all the leftovers in your fridge, donate them to someone in need.

The holidays are fun, and the food is part of that! Don’t deny yourself the food you love – just be smarter about it. Happy holidays to you and yours.

Do you have any tips? Share ’em in the comments below!