The holidays are a time where there is so much temptation to indulge in treats that we do not normally have the rest of the year. How do you enjoy the festivities without feeling like you are depriving yourself?

The first tip is to not say no to special treats. Before you think that this is a trick, it is not. You can partake in dessert time as long as you follow some rules that you set for yourself.

Instead of having one of each of your favorites, choose one. Have a smaller than normal piece and eat it slowly. Savor every bite. Resist the urge to finish it all and leave some on your plate.

Drink a lot of lower calorie drinks. Water or seltzer or a wine spritzer is far less calories than a mixed drink or regular soda. Filling up on water will also help you eat less when you sit down for a holiday meal.

A little trick for women is to wear a supportive undergarment under that holiday outfit. It helps to hold you in and also keeps you from overeating or overdrinking. A snug corset or spanx will make you look good and will help you feel fuller faster. Control top pantyhose will do the same thing.

With all the temptations around, make sure you keep to a regular exercise program. Even if it is walking during your lunch hour, try to keep a routine. Window shopping at the mall is good as long as you spend enough time walking.

Speaking of shopping, do yourself a favor and take the far away parking space. Any chance you can find to get a little more exercise will help.

Try not to skip meals during the holidays but when you choose your meal try to make it a healthy one. Fill up on healthier items at the buffet like salads and fruits. You do not have to suffer at the holiday office party either. First tip is do not go to a party hungry. Eat a salad or whole grain toast before you go and you will be less likely to overeat.

You can get through the holidays and not gain weight if you keep your routine the same and just add in a treat here and there. The reason we gain weight over the holidays is because we forget about exercise and just indulge ourselves. When January comes and your co-workers are joining a gym, you can feel good because you maintained your weight over the holidays.

For a list of calories in your favorite holiday desserts, check out the following site. It will help motivate you to have smaller portions.

http://www.healthcastle.com/holiday_foods_shocker.shtml

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2438060/how_to_enjoy_the_holida...