They say "Tis the Season" - to do what? The season to over-spend, over-eat, and just plain over-indulge in all good things. After all, it is Christmas, right? Wasn't there something mentioned about too much of a good thing? When the holidays arrive you tend to forget about moderation until January arrives. Then we can't fit into our clothes or the bills into our budget. With the bills, you're on your own, however, here are some tips for helping you avoid gaining those holiday pounds:

DO EAT ONLY UNTIL YOU'RE COMFORTABLE
The only thing that should be stuffed is the turkey! You can always go back for a second helping and now that you're an adult, you don't "have to clean your plate."

DO EAT SLOWLY
By slowing down (and not pretending that fork is an electric power shovel) you may actually taste the food and give your body a chance to metabolize the food so you'll feel satisfied sooner and won't be subject to overeating.

DO USE THE ONE INCH RULE
When loading up that holiday fare, leave a one inch diameter around the edge of your plate empty. This will size down your portions.

DON'T BE IN DENIAL
Hey, "Tis The Season" remember! If you're craving that pecan pie or pumpkin cheese cake, GO FOR IT! Have a small slice (no, 1/2 the pie is not considered a small slice) and enjoy. The normal byproduct of deprivation is usually a feeding frenzy. You could do laps around the buffet table eating everything but what you really want, and probably twice as much. So have that pie - this will also keep you from eating half of the pie the next day (when no one is looking of course).

DON'T EAT EVERYTHING YOU SEE
Be selective when you indulge! Survey the buffet table before you engage the electric power shovel. Pick out new and unusual dishes or ones that you don't get the pleasure of having very often.

DON'T SKIP MEALS
Once again, remember the byproduct of deprivation is a feeding frenzy - don't set yourself up for one. Don't be waiting (and starving) all day long to be a turkey and stuff yourself. Have a sensible breakfast and if you need to snack, make it a high protein one. Protein keeps you satisfied longer. This does not mean chips and dip, but chicken or lean beef. Kidney bean dip made with low or non-fat ingredients on whole grain non-fat crackers or bread would be an excellent choice. And about those chocolates and sweets, the more sugar you eat, the more you crave. Don't make yourself ill, have some fresh fruit or fruit juice to kill that sweet tooth.

DO AVOID TEMPTATION
Standing by the fresh veggies and not by the chips and dip and chocolate will help keep temptation to a minimum. We can all use more fresh veggies in our diet, so feel free to snack and snack and snack on those. Pass up the dip however, unless you know it's low-fat or fat-free.

DO GET YOUR SLEEP
Some researchers add "too little sleep" to the list of one of the causes of weight gain, in addition to lack of exercise and poor food choices. Studies have also shown that people who are sleep deprived eat as much as 10 percent to 15 percent more calories. This can add up to several pounds over an extended period of time. The holidays can be very exhausting with social life, shopping, travel, and emotional stresses. Be sure to get enough rest and don't substitute food for energy when it's really sleep you need.

DO CELEBRATE
The holidays are a time to be joyful but take it easy on the spirits. Alcohol beverages are empty calories and having too much to drink can not only make the next day a nightmare, but can lower your resistance to avoiding temptations such as chips, chocolates, etc.... To reduce the amount of calories and alcohol in wine, try having a spritzer or cooler. Mix 1/3 seltzer (for a spritzer) or 1/3 diet ginger-ale (for a cooler) with 2/3 wine, add ice and a twist of lemon.

DO KEEP MOVING
No, this does not refer to laps around the buffet table with that electric power shovel. It means exercise! Do those laps at the mall before you start to shop. You'll get a look at what is there to buy as well. Or at lunch time, take a brisk walk. Ride the stationary bicycle while you watch Rudolph or stick with your regular exercise program. Regular exercise not only helps to burn calories, but will help reduce stress and help you sleep better at night.

DO MAKE TIME
Words from a motivational speaker - "We can make time to do just about anything that we really want to do. We can't make time to do everything." Make a list of your holiday priorities and put staying healthy at the top of that list.

Happy Happy Holidays Everyone!!!