The holidays make me feel like such a cow. It starts at Thanksgiving, with office potlucks and family dinners. It goes on until Christmas, and by New Year’s Day I’ve gained five extra unwanted pounds because I can’t avoid the extra calories from holiday food. This year, I refuse to be a cow by New Years. Since I know I’m going to be eating extra, I came up with a plan to counteract excess poundage by compensating for it in other areas.

Are you with me on this? I think we can do it if we keep the following tips in mind.

1. Step up those workouts. Fall/winter means it gets dark earlier and in some climates its just cold as hell, so its not ideal to go for an evening run after work. But that’s no excuse skimp out on a workout. If you’re like me and used to exercising outdoors, bring your exercising routine indoors. Since most of us are hood rich (read: broke) these days, I don’t advocate joining a gym. Instead, use workout DVDs. My recent favorite is the afro-latin dance workout, it’s fun (even though I kicked over my end table doing a few moves) and burns lots of calories.

2. Eat as healthy between holiday meals. If you know you’re going to gorge at that lunch potluck at work, eat a healthy breakfast beforehand and a light dinner later on. Save your calorie count for the big stuff and eat lighter for your other meals.

3. Just say no…to that 2nd or 3rd helping.  I eat extra helpings just because they’re there. Food is meant to be eaten, but I don’t have to be the one doing the eating. And when your coworkers try to force feed you, stand your ground and tell them no thank you! Don’t let them sabotage your diet.

Nip those holidays pounds in the bud! Do you have any suggestions or ideas for preventing holiday weight gain? Leave a comment.

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