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Battling the Bulge

By Judith Cookis Rubens

When holiday stress hits, many of us respond by hitting the buffet table at parties. But, with a little planning and a focused attitude, you can avoid that dreaded holiday weight gain. Here’s how:

1. Never go to a party hungry. “One should eat right before attending as to not arrive hungry and eat recklessly,” says Jackie Odom, Ph.D., director of psychology at the William Beaumont Hospital Weight Control Center.
2. Keep a food journal and know exactly what you’re consuming. “Around the holidays you could consume 500 calories in one minute, easily,” Odom says.
3. Moderation is key. Have a small slice of cheesecake, not a huge chunk.
4. Be selective. We all know what most holiday foods taste like. Decide which type of guilty pleasure – salty, sweet, or starchy – you really want to sample this year.
5. Make your own version of a high-calorie treat. Try angel food cake with strawberries instead of strawberry cheesecake, for example.