The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, but for thousands of dieters, this is no time for joy. This is a time of dreading holiday parties, of adding ten pounds or more to their frames and generally being miserable. The holidays don’t have to be synonymous with weight gain, and if you make some smart choices, you’ll be able to get through them joyfully – and you may even end up losing weight, instead of gaining it.

The best plan of attack is to make a list of the common holiday foods that you cannot resist. Whether it’s brownies, fudge, cake or any other confection, write it down. Target your danger foods and start making plans to meet them head on. When you are prepared to face them, your chances of successfully avoiding them will be much better. This is war, and you’re going to need to know all that you can about your enemy.

Once you have your list, you’ll be able to work on a plan of attack. Focusing on what those treats may do to your waistline may not be enough when push comes to shove. It is all too easy to justify “just one” or “just ten” when you are in the thick of battle. If you don’t start planning for these battles ahead of time, you may lose your head.

For many dieters, one of the easiest ways to avoid eating these foods is by filling up on good foods before you get to a party. This makes it easy to say, “No thank you,” since you won’t be physically hungry. Don’t make the mistake of saving up your calories before one of these parties by skipping all of your meals that day. You’ll end up over indulging and chances are, you may eat more than enough to last you all week.

Water is also a helpful friend when it comes to holiday parties. Not only are you faced with high calories treats, but mixed drinks can also pack a strong caloric punch. Stick with your water through the night and you’ll find it much easier to avoid falling prey to those foods later on.

Being on a diet doesn’t have to mean that you are a Debbie or a Daniel Downer at events. Nobody enjoys hanging around someone that is making pie eyes at the pies or griping about how much they want to eat the food but can’t. Instead of getting into this negative mindset, focus on what is really important and leave the food where it belongs – on the table.

Once you’re armed with the right game plan, getting through holiday parties and staying on your diet will be a breeze. If you happen to lose a battle and indulge on one treat, that doesn’t mean you have to lose the war by spending the rest of the night making up for lost time. Stick to your plan and remember that you can get through this!

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Originally posted 2008-11-25 05:21:19. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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