Fight the Flab at Holiday Time

Recently the Hollywood actress Jessica Alba stated she would get fat, indicating, "If it's for a challenging or inspiring role, I'd do it." While celebrities have a staff to help them achieve fitness goals, we need to face our figures ourselves and take full responsibility for our eating habits.

As Halloween approaches, once again the season of overeating begins. Trick or treating is the kick off to Thanksgiving and all the other winter holidays that are related to a variety of foods.

Here are some ways to beat the holiday food rush:

• Bag up healthy snacks and keep them at work so you won't be tempted to snack on those holiday candies and cookies in the break room;
  
• Purchase healthy choices for holidays –- for example, instead of candy for Halloween, purchase pretzels or gift certificates;
  
• Put the focus back on fun and away from food at the holidays by encouraging long walks, sleigh rides and snowballs fights so everyone is exercising rather than eating;
  
• Eat a light, healthy snack before you attend holiday parties so you won't be tempted by fattening appetizers or sweets; and
  
• If you really can't resist temptation, have very small portions –- the same goes for alcohol, which can really pack on the pounds.

By having healthy habits and a bit of self-control, you can avoid unwanted weight gain during the holidays and still have a great time.