Feast on These Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain and Guilt

Los Angeles, Calif. and Columbus, Ohio/PRNewswire -- This may be the time of year dieters dread, but it is possible to enjoy the holidays and begin the New Year healthier and guilt-free, according to Certified Personal Fitness Trainer Brad Ritter.

Ritter, who also is a fitness model and motivational speaker, says healthy holidays begin with a commitment to indulge less. Ritter advises health-conscious revelers maintain their current weight by eating less at parties and at work, squeezing in physical activity and asking family and friends to support them in their quest for better health.

“With so much concern about obesity, 'moderation' is the watchword for this holiday season,” Ritter says. He suggests setting a goal of maintaining your current weight. “Too often, we use the holidays as an excuse to over-indulge, telling ourselves we’ll lose the weight in January,” he says. “If you commit to maintaining your weight, it becomes much easier to stay focused on moderating your eating and drinking.”

Ritter offers these tips:

• Eat a healthy snack or meal before parties, which reduces the temptation to overeat.
• Arrive after parties start when the food does not look as appetizing.
• Avoid congregating near the food and bar.
• Keep fruit and vegetables in supply, and store the goodies out of sight.
• Ask co-workers to limit the amount of holiday treats brought in or allowed at work.

Along with extra calories, the holidays bring more stress for many people, making exercise especially important. “You may not be able to exercise as much as you might like, but try to get some physical activity a few times each week,” he suggests. “Even brisk, 20-minute walks burn calories and relieve holiday anxiety.”

With so much temptation during the holidays, it is important to ask family, friends and co-workers for support. “Don’t be afraid to tell others of your commitment to improving your health," he says.

Studies show Americans gain as much as 10 pounds over the holidays. Ritter says that often leads to a guilt-filled, holiday health hangover in January that can be avoided by making an effort to eat and drink moderately, and by making time to be active.