The end of the year can be a true exercise in self-control. From the beginning of November, it begins. Leftover Halloween candy and caramel apples are just begging to be devoured. Then, just about the time that you get rid of all of the Halloween leftovers, Thanksgiving comes around. Before the Thanksgiving turkey can even begun to be eaten up, the true temptations begin.

Most of the month of December all the way until the beginning of January is jam packed full of festivities that include mouth-watering delectables- family dinners, friendly cookie swaps, and the Christmas party at the office. And don't forget that everyone brings their favorite holiday recipe for co-workers to sample.

What's a person to do? How do you not appear like a Scrooge, and yet still manage to keep from gaining weight during the Christmas season? There are some simple tips that can help you in your endeavor to exercise dietary self-control during the holidays.

The most basic diet tip is not to attend every single holiday event that comes your way. Sure, there are holiday festivities that you are dutifully required to attend. However, it's not necessary to accept all invitations. Weed out the Christmas parties being thrown by people you don't like or that you barely know. This tip will also save you a lot of frazzled nerves. Most people try to juggle way too many activities during the holidays.

Before leaving the house for a holiday party, eat a small snack. Make it a snack with very little calories that is also filling. Some examples are broth soup, air-popped popcorn, or fresh fruit like apples. Also, drink some water or a diet drink.

When you arrive at the holiday party, try not to linger around the food too much. Busy yourself with conversation. If the party is a real snooze and you insist on occupying your time with food, choose the less vindictive snacks. Try eating low-fat protein, like turkey or chicken breast. Avoid fried foods. Again, fresh fruit and salads are your best friends during the holidays.

If you must eat some holiday fudge, taste a bite of it. Try to eat the equivalent of a free sample. This goes for any holiday foods that you just can't resist. Sometimes this is enough to make you feel satisfied, and you won't add on the pounds. Don't declare any food off-limits. This will just result in failure.

Alcohol can be a true nightmare for dieters during the holidays. Just remember that the higher the alcohol content, the higher the calories that a beverage contains. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or diet drinks. Drink slowly and with small sips.

When eating Christmas dinner, follow the same basic diet rules as at any other time of the year. Drink lots of water. Eat a large salad with only about a tablespoon or two of low-fat salad dressing. Eat slowly so that you will feel full more quickly.

Just because you're busy during the holidays, don't skip your normal exercise routine. If you don't regularly exercise, now is the most important time to start. Even a daily walk for less than half an hour is enough to keep the holiday weight gain at bay.

If you don't want your New Year's starting weight to be a few pounds heavier than normal, try these diet tips and avoid holiday weight gain.

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/467674/holiday_dieting_tips_to_...