Decking the Halls and Expanding the Waistline

'Tis the season for yummy cookies, delectable pies, and huge, gigantic family meals to celebrate the holidays.  With the smell of pumpkin pie still in the air from Thanksgiving, and Christmas party invites flowing freely via facebook and e-invite, how is a girl supposed to not indulge in the deliciousness of holiday food and heartfelt get-togethers that is fast approaching?

Overeating during the holidays is common. What do you do to celebrate? When you think about it, it probably involves surrounding ourselves with food, loved ones, memories, laughs, and good times.  Here are some tips to help you indulge and enjoy during this season's festivities.

Sit-Down Meal
If your host is planning a huge meal, try to keep these few things in mind:

• eat with your opposite hand (so if you're usually right handed, eat with left and visa versa)
• cut smaller bites so that you eat less at a time
• put your silverware down between bites
• take a sip of your drink between bites
• rest for 15-20 minutes before deciding on seconds because that is how long it takes our stomaches to send our brains the "FULL" signal.

Endless Hors d'oeuvres 
Most holiday parties have endless plates of scrumptious little bite-size treats so mouthwatering that you swear you'll only try one of each (yeah.right.). What's the best way to show some self control and not swallow that entire platter of little kieshes all by your lonesome? 

• keep your hands occupied; if you're holding a drink you'll have less space/coordination to also balance a plate full of food
• eat before attending the party; if you fill up on something healthy at home before coming to the party, you won't feel the need to pig out on everything in sight, leaving more time to socialize and here what all of your loved ones have been up to this past year
• drink water (popular choice); it helps keep you hydrated and full and doesn't have any of those sneaky calories that we often forget about when downing our third glass of eggnog or holiday juice
• don't deprive yourself; you've been good, so if you're eyeing up that delicious chocolate chip cookie, eat one (instead of 5). and eat is sloooowwwwly so that you enjoy it.

If all else fails and you have one too many glasses of punch and enjoy a few extra tiny delights, get your behind on the treadmill the next day for an extra intense workout!

Stay Healthy This Holiday Season (Shoutouts to Xtina for passing this along!)
Oprah's Tips on Staying Fit During the Holiday
Healthy Holiday Recipes from BetterHealthUSA

FoodNetworks Holiday Recipes

Oprah's Favorite Healthy Holiday Recipes