This is the time of the year when the discipline for eating and exercise goes out the window. With the Holiday fervor, arrival of relatives and houseguests, parties, baking, traveling, shopping and holiday stress, exercise is the last thing we want to do. Indulgence is here and we are going to go for it!  Individuals gain an average of five pounds during the Holiday season. Add that to the weight you thought about losing before Thanksgiving.

Instead of exercise being a chore, think of it as a way to help you with your stress during this season. Studies have shown that exercise greatly reduces stress as well as blood pressure and heart rate. So, on your daily  “To Do List”, write in  “Exercise” and make sure you do it. It is ideal to exercise five days a week. If during the Holiday season, you work out only three days – that is Great! Be sure to invite your guests to exercise with you.

There will be many Holiday gatherings this year. Before each dinner party and before your salivary glands get the best of you,  STOP, take a breath and repeat to yourself: “I will make sensible choices today. I know I can do this. I have worked hard to be healthy this year and I do not want it that work to be wasted.”

Choose the healthier foods. Choose to take small amounts of food. Consider not going back for seconds. Choose only one dessert. Remember alcoholic beverages have a lot of sugar in them.  Remember the Japanese axiom, “eat until you are 80% full.”

For the hosts who are serving the meals, consider a nutritious menu for your relatives with perhaps less fried foods and choices of fresh fruits and vegetables. Make a light dessert. And if your guests don’t go back for seconds or skip dessert, try not to be offended.

I realize that this has been said before but it is worth another reminder because of the real health care crisis Americans of all ages are in. We all like to work less so let’s make 2008 a little easier on ourselves by not overindulging this Holiday season and keeping exercise in our daily routine.

I wish you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and New Year!