Continue your exercise routine
Unfortunately when people change their schedules exercise is usually the first activity cut. Exercise is an important activity for our digestive process. It is one of the key stimulators to release toxins out of the body. Staying healthy is not just about what you put in your body but also making sure that you release toxins.

Remember the numbers
The key to understanding weight is found in the numbers. The number of calories you put in your body and the number of calories you burn during each day. To maintain your weight, you must make sure the amount of calories that you put in your body is less than or equal to the amount you burn during the day.

Remember to eat whole foods
Eat whole grains like oatmeal instead of refined grains like white flour. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Just think about the fact that 80% of the side dishes for holiday meals are fruits and vegetables. Enjoy the side dishes knowing that they are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Eat top choices lean meats. Do not go overboard with red meats or pork. They have poor side affects to your health over time.

Pick 2-3 high caloric foods to enjoy
Pay attention to everything you are eating. Pick 2 to 3 high caloric foods from the entire menu, including dessert, and enjoy them. Eat only one serving of these types of foods but you can have more than one serving of other foods (whole foods). I’ll give you an example: If you love macaroni and cheese then put it on your plate to enjoy it but pass on the butter and cream filled mashed potatoes. Leave your second choice for dessert. Do not sample everything. Make a decision and stick to it.

Chew your food
Did you know to properly digest your food you need to chew at least 25 times before you swallow. Be present with your food. Enjoy every bite of what you are eating. This not only helps the digestive process it also helps you feel full faster and reduces your caloric intake. You will not feel as bloated and uncomfortable after meals.

5-6 small meals per day
Do not skip meals and think you can save all your calories for a late night dinner party. Your body doesn’t work that way. Eat 5-6 small meals as you normally would. This keeps your blood sugar level consistent. It prevents your body from going into a starvation mode and storing fat. Try to avoid eating or drinking alcohol late at night.
This also causes your body to store fat.

Be strategic in your approach to the dinner menu
When you get to the party, graciously ask about all of the food on the menu. You can then decide what you are going to eat to make sure you don’t just eat everything in sight. Be sure to ask about desserts too because you might decide to spend your calories differently. If there is a buffet, look at all the foods and make a decisions about what you want before you pick up your plate to fill it.

Use a salad plate instead of a regular size plate
Many holiday parties have buffet style eating. This is a perfect opportunity to overeat. If you pick up or ask for a salad plate it helps to reduce the amount of food you are eating at one sitting. Do not over fill the plate. Try to keep your food from touching each other. This creates space on your plate and prevents you from piling on too much food at one time. If you really want to go back for seconds, wait at least 20 minutes to give your stomach and your brain time to communicate. You will find by waiting you may feel full.

Alcoholic beverages are empty calories
Drink only one or two drinks per party. Remember that you will probably be eating high caloric foods as well so you want to make the best use of your food and drink decisions. Fruity drinks or drinks with cream or milk are loaded with calories. Be sure that whenever you drink alcohol you eat some protein with it. This slows the alcohol entrance into your bloodstream. You will not get drunk as quickly. Remember to always hand over the keys if you feel impaired in any way.

Drink plenty of water
Make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep your system flushed. Whenever you drink alcohol it is important for you to drink water to prevent dehydration. Drinking pleny of water also helps to prevent some of those “hangover” symptoms.

Prioritize your social schedule
Decide which parties you really want to go to and indulge in the food choices. Pick 1 or 2 parties for which you want to enjoy the food. For all the others eat before you go and just enjoy the social aspects. This allows you to have control over your choices so you will not be tempted to overeat several times a week for the next 6 weeks.

Leftovers put on Weight
When you eat lots of calories day after day your weight creeps up with each meal. Enjoy your high caloric meal as a special treat the day of the party or dinner. After your special event, go back to 5- 6 small meals per day. If you keep eating the high caloric meals as leftovers and then go to functions with new high caloric choices you are setting yourself up to fail at eating healthy.