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Tips for the Holiday ‘Battle of the Bulge’

The WWII ‘Battle of the Bulge’ was fought during the Christmas season 75 years ago, but for many, the battle continues due to the delectable abundance of holiday temptations. You may say to yourself, “I’m so stuffed I can’t eat another bite!” But it is hard to say no to your family’s delicious Italian specialties, especially at Christmastime. At every turn, we are faced with cookies, pastries and pies – not to mention pasta and antipasto platters. Throughout the holiday season, one anxiety lurks in our thoughts – how do we undo the damage that Christmas and New Year’s imposes on weight-management goals?

The average person can expect to gain almost five pounds in the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. To help take the guesswork out of staying committed to weight-management during this tempting season, we offer the following five strategies for holiday dining:

Don’t skip meals. Eat small, healthy snacks such as fresh vegetables regularly so you are less likely to overindulge during long, large holiday meals.

When you go shopping, take along a snack. Waiting in line for gift wrapping can take a long time and a piece of fruit or a sensible nutrition bar will help keep you from making less than healthy choices.

Don’t gorge. Eat a sensible salad before attending a holiday dinner party so you will be less likely to overindulge while at the party.

Don’t ignore your sweet tooth. Choose a smart, indulgent snack before baking cookies in the evening.

Have a cookie, but not all the cookies! Some people use the “I break off small pieces of cookies because they have fewer calories” excuse. But having bits and pieces of 12 cookies can add up quickly. Indulge by having one cookie.

The best advice is – Enjoy everything in moderation.