Typically, Thanksgiving kicks off a month long series of holiday dinners and parties to attend with friends, family and co-workers. The average American gains five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. When you eat 3,500 calories more than your body needs, you gain about 1 pound. Multiply by five and you’ve consumed an excess of over 17,500 calories in approximately 5 weeks. Surprisingly, that’s the average.

The holidays are a time to enjoy and celebrate; don’t deprive yourself. Weight management is about moderation and making healthy decisions. With a strategic battle plan, you can make it through the holiday season, if not lighter then, at least not any heavier. Here are some great tips to get through the holidays bulge free!

Not now. Don’t try to diet during the holidays. Instead, set a goal of maintaining your present weight. It’s more realistic and you allow yourself an occasional splurge, but remain within your eating boundaries.

Don’t arrive ravenous. Don’t go to a party or event on an empty stomach. Snack on protein, like chicken or cottage cheese, before the party. Protein satisfies and helps you to eat less. Many people think if they skip lunch or don’t eat all day, they can eat more later. Skipping meals means you’re hungry and your chances of overeating later are much higher. This should especially be applied before an event with alcohol. The effects of alcohol are felt much more quickly on an empty stomach and can lead to overeating and overdrinking.

The balancing act. Don’t try to cut out high-fat holiday favorites like candied sweet potatoes. Instead, eat small portions. In the heat of the holiday excitement, portion sizes can be excessive. Instead of eating a large amount of food, try to eat a large variety of foods. Fill your plate with lower fat choices such as vegetables, apples, cranberry dishes, baked squash, pumpkin, breads, and pastas.

Slow down. Pay attention to how quickly you eat and exactly what you eat and drink. Savor the flavor by eating slowly and choosing your food carefully.

Alcohol check. Alcohol is packed with calories. Choose light beer and wine over mixed drinks. A holiday-sized mixed drink can have as many as 500 calories or more. Get the skinny on calorie content & caloric values of fast foods, snack food, beer, wines and spirits. http://www.annecollins.com/calories/index.htm

No excuses. The holidays are hectic, but make the effort to continue a regular exercise program. Even in the midst of holiday bustle, exercise is essential to maintaining good health and a healthy weight.