With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I'd do a post on how to avoid that dreaded holiday weight gain. It happens to even the most food-savvy of us. We think we know what to do when faced with the holiday festivities, but once we are face-to-face with the pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes, all hell breaks loose and we find that by the end of everything, we've gained 10 pounds. But with these small tips you'll be ready to face the endless buffet head-on and still be able to fit in your jeans.

one cup regular egg nog: 343 calories
one cup low fat egg nog: 120 calories
calories saved: 223

1 slice pumpkin pie: 320 calories
2 gingerbread men: 152 calories
calories saved: 168

1 cup mashed potaotes: 210 calories
1 roll: about 100
calories saved: 110

2 slices of ham: 100 calories
2 slices of hame w/ 2 tbsp syrup: 204 calories
calories saved: 104

1 package M&Ms (1.69 oz)- 236 calories
1 candy cane- 110 calories
calories saved: 126 calores


And if you happen to slip up and eat too much, these exercises can help get you back on track. (based on the average 150 pound woman)

Jumping jacks 10 minutes- 51 calories burned
Lifting weights-general 10 minutes- 39 calories burned
Jogging 10 minutes- 80 calories burned
Raking lawn 20 minutes- 90 calories burned
Running 10 minutes (5 mph)- 96 calories burned
Walking 30 minutes (3mph)- 148 calories burned

Happy Holidays!

Sources:

http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/kroger/low-fat-egg-nog/

http://www.nutrientfacts.com/foodpages/calories/calories_pumpkin_pie.htm

http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/generic/gingerbread-man/

http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-mm-plain-chocolate-candies-i19141

http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc