Tis’ The Season To Eat, Eat & Eat

Christmas may be over but the holiday season isn't.  If you've been eating yourself into a virtual food coma, it's a good idea to have a battle plan for the New Year.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... for weight gain?  Between family get-togethers, office parties and tons of leftovers, many of us pack on the pounds.  Most of those tasty treats and delectable dinners are loaded with calories and fat.  And with New Year's Eve just days away, the risk for more overeating and drinking is high.

You can still enjoy yourself while not gorging and bursting the buttons on your pants.  Leslie Terjesen at the Ocean County Health Department says "be kind to yourself and make a deal.  Don't starve all day and say I will just eat one meal.  Be careful.  Eat small meals throughout the day and if you indulge, don't beat yourself up.  It only becomes a problem if the eating continues into days and weeks."

Leftovers in the house can be a problem.  Terjesen says "it's a good idea to pass them out to other family members.  Even though Christmas is over, holiday parties continue and the potential for weight gain is still there.  Also, remember the drinks on New Year's like beer, wine and champagne are loaded with calories - so be careful."

For the new year, Terjesen suggests having a food battle plan and if you set a new year's resolution to lose weight, be sure to make it an obtainable, realistic goal so you'll actually stick to a plan.