Try this advice for healthier holidays Every year, the average American gains between one and five pounds during the holiday season. This occurs since the holiday season is much more than just one meal of overindulgence

Every year, the average American gains between one and five pounds during the holiday season. This occurs since the holiday season is much more than just one 

meal of overindulgence. There are Lida Daidaihua Capsule work parties, family parties, social gatherings and many other pursuits that center around food. Holiday meals are usually 

highly palatable and packed with fat, salt and sugar. We overindulge because we have seen the holiday season as a time for you to "let go."

Some weight may not seem like a big deal, but the problem is the fact that most of us never lose that weight. With time, putting on weight can bring about 

obesity and cause serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, with planning and consideration, we are able to avoid holiday 

weight gain.

Listed here are 10 ideas to prevent holiday putting on weight:

Set a fitness goal. Setting a fitness goal can be a great motivator for change in behavior. We often make an effort to establish healthier habits as part of 

a brand new Year's resolution. To have a healthier holiday, begin right now instead of wait. Join a fitness club or group. Join a race like the Feet to Feast 

Thanksgiving 5K/15K, or the Starlight 5K/half-marathon. There are many programs which help beginners get ready for their first race. Is there an activity 

you've always aspired to try? Decide to get it done.

Keep fitness important. The holiday season can disrupt your routine and you'll have to do things differently. Keep your wellbeing important, but be flexible. 

It may be helpful to combine exercise with family commitments. Family walks, hikes or bike rides are exciting and good for the whole family.

Plan non-food activities. Many holiday activities center around food. Try some alternate activities or set new traditions. Some fun activities that don't 

involve food include decorating the tree; touring holiday lights; Christmas caroling; or visiting a holiday-themed show.

Manage your schedule. Prioritize your activities. It's Alright to say "no" sometimes. You'll relish the parties along with other events more if you select 

those that are closest to your heart.

Focus on giving. Studies show that individuals who volunteer have better self-esteem and therefore are more connected to their community. Volunteer in a toy 

drive for underprivileged children, or help in a local food bank. Volunteers have the opportunity to make new friends and boost their social and professional 

networks. There's also health benefits to volunteerism, for example more uncommon illness minimizing mortality from chronic disease.

Watch your alcohol intake. Holiday drinks can have more than 500 calories each! Whenever we drink our calories we don't always feel full. Alcohol energizes 

the appetite and lowers inhibition, making us more likely to overindulge. Finally, alcohol intake affects metabolism, causing us to be more likely to store 

fat.

Prevent party pitfalls. Possess a healthy snack before the party. You're less inclined to overindulge when you are not hungry. When at a social gathering, 

start with healthy options first, then pick one or two indulgences that you will like. It certainly is a good idea to bring a healthy dish or appetizer.

Monitor portion size. Have a small portion of your favorite foods, but don't eat until you're uncomfortably full. Attempt to include vegetables and protein 

in your meals. Studies show that individuals who have a broth-based soup or green salad just before their meals have a tendency to consume fewer calories 

overall. Other strategies include utilizing a smaller plate and sitting near other healthy eaters.

Stay accountable (to yourself). Weigh yourself prior to the holidays and obtain around the scale periodically. It may be useful to have a food journal. We 

don't always realize how many extra calories we're consuming until we write it down. A common pitfall can be taste-testing. A bite here and there can easily 

add up to more than 500 calories.

Make over your preferred recipes. Make healthier versions of holiday favorites like green-bean casserole and mashed potatoes. Changes to recipes should 

reduce fat, sugar and salt. You can use the web to look for alternative recipes or find new dishes.

This year, Healthiest Weight Florida and the Florida Department of Health are offering the "Maintain Don't Gain Holiday Challenge." This free challenge runs 

from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31 and includes seven weekly newsletters sent to your inbox with helpful information and tips. Visit Healthiestweightflorida.com to 

learn more. (Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration combining state agencies, not for profit organizations, businesses, and entire 

communities to help Florida's adults and children make choices about healthy eating and active living.)

In the Florida Department of Reduce Weight Fruta Planta Health in Flagler County, you want everyone a contented and healthy holiday.

Coopersmith is a doctor of nursing practice at the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County, and Healthiest Weight coordinator.