Healthy holiday tips to avoid weight gain

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Holiday pre-party tips

Bring your own dish

If you are going to an evening dinner party, call the host or hostess in advance and politely ask if you can bring a healthy main dish or dessert. For healthy desserts, substitute almond flour for white flour and xylitol for regular table sugar.

Fiber up and hydrate

Take fiber (glucomannan and psyllium) supplements and drink eight ounces of water before leaving your home. The fiber will expand inside, providing a sense of fullness and slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates and alcohol.

Avoid hangovers

You can help reduce the after effects of alcohol consumption by taking these "anti-hangover" nutrients before and after your party: B12 (200 mcg), B6 (50 mg), N-acetyl cysteine (500 mg), milk thistle or sylimarin (100 mg) calcium carbonate (500 mg) and alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg). Of course, if you are taking prescription medications check with you doctor before taking these or any other supplement.

Drink in moderation

When you are offered your first alcoholic drink, ask for a glass of sparkling water on the rocks with a lemon or lime wedge (regular water will also work); everyone will think you are drinking a vodka tonic and leave you alone. After which, enjoy a libation if you choose, but after your first alcoholic beverage have a tall glass of water as described.

Savor the holidays

Relax and enjoy your dinner with your friends and family. Try small amounts of foods offered.

Take control — early

Most important, start your next day off right even if you think you "blew it" the night before. Do not feel guilty and use your bad night as an excuse to wait until after the holidays to start over. This is the biggest mistake of all. If you take control and begin your New Year's resolution early by following these principles, you will never have to make another weight-loss resolution!

More healthy holiday tips

• 6 ways to reduce holiday stress
• The secret to avoiding holiday weight gain
• How to make healthy resolutions a reality