Top 5 Ways to Reduce Calories During the Holidays

1. Don't leave room for dessert. Get full off of low calorie foods such as salads and other healthy side dishes.

2. Eat more lean meat. The part of your meal with the least amount of calories is meat. As long as it is lean with little fat on it, the calories contained are a lot less than the stuffing, mashed potatoes and deserts.

3. Eat less of the sides. The sides (stuffing, mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese) are loaded with carbohydrates and fat.

4. Get rid of leftovers. Having a 2000 calorie meal one night is one thing. Having that same meal for up to a week might set you back with your diet and fitness goals. Give the leftovers to guests or your college kids.

5. Have vegetable sides. Have roasted vegetables as a side for those who still want to be health conscious over the holiday season.

For more ideas on how to stay healthy during the holiday season, visit the Guide to a Healthy Holiday. You can also see how others cope with all the delicious and high calorie food at the diet and nutrition forums.

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