Eat, drink and be merry

Good news if you're worried about gaining weight over the Christmas holidays – and who isn't? Researchers say that most of us gain less weight than we think – only one pound on average. The bad news? We rarely take it off. Over five to 10 years, those pounds add up. To keep the treats of Christmases past from clinging to you year-round, follow these tips from our fitness and nutrition experts.

Multitask and exercise
Sneak some “hidden workouts” into your day, says Robin Mech, a fitness co-ordinator at the MacNab Street YWCA in Hamilton. “Stretch your calves while brushing your teeth, do bicep curls with the milk/potato bag while waiting in line at the grocery store, do 20 buttock squeezes while brushing your hair, pull your shoulder blades together 10 times while waiting for the photocopier...”

If you miss a workout, says Mech, substitute an activity where you can be physically active with family or friends: go ice skating, tobogganing, walking, snowshoeing or skiing.

Freshen your breath
Carry a package of mint-flavoured gum with you, says Homemaker's food editor, Dana McCauley. “Then, when you've eaten and drank as much as you should at a party, pop a piece of gum into your mouth. Nothing will taste good afterwards – and your breath will be fresh if you're caught under the mistletoe.” Strong mints work well, too, adds Toronto nutritionist Leslie Beck, author of Leslie Beck's Nutrition Guide for Women (Prentice Hall Canada, 2001).

Do the math
Try two 15-minute workouts instead of one 30-minute workout, says Mech. “You won't be as sweaty, you'll keep your fitness level up, and it'll be easier to fit them into your schedule.”

Keep portion sizes in mind, says Mech. “Take a look at your fist, and try to keep serving sizes on your plate the same size as what would fit inside it.”

“Think damage control, not weight loss,” says Homemaker's nutrition columnist Rosie Schwartz. To minimize the damage, use what Schwartz terms her “rule of 10.” Take a small bite of whatever tempts you and rate it. If it's not sensational, pass on it. But if it's close to a 10, eat it and enjoy it without any feelings of regret or guilt.

Read our smart tips for eating all your holiday favourites guilt-free.

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