‘Tis the season for food and folly
Let’s see how much we can eat
To become round and jolly.

Let’s fill our plates with cakes and jellies
Mints, cookies and candied treats
Bursting the belt that fastens our belly.

There is never enough room on the plate
For potatoes, beans and meats
Every morsel smells and looks so great.

Do we dare to think of how we will feel
When January first arrives to make us see
That we should have skipped part of the meal.

The pounds don’t take long to accumulate
We can’t recall how this all came to be
Is it genes, big bones or that last heaping plate?

There is so much to do, the times just flies
So many parties and people to see
And no time at all to exercise!

Pause and take heed this Holiday season
To follow these simple creeds
Try a few and practice with good reason:

• Limit desserts and sweets
• Avoid skipping more than two days without exercise
• Exercise often, even in 15 minute increments- it adds up and counts!
• Avoid fried foods and foods high in fat
• Avoid “seconds”
• Walk, walk, walk
• Avoid “grazing” as you socialize (it’s hard to remember how much food you have eaten).
• Remember that alcohol has a high sugar and calorie content
• Try to eat normally on the day of a party (i.e., don’t starve yourself during the day, only to gorge while you are at
• the party).

Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!