Let the celebrating begin! You can enjoy the holiday season while maintaining your commitment to optimal health. Remember this basic concept: Drink plenty of water. Water can be filling which may diminish hunger and allow for healthful food decision making. You can dilute juice drinks with water, which will lower the amount of sugar and calories you take in. If you are partying, I recommend alternating water with alcoholic beverages to prevent overdoing the alcohol as well as decrease your simple carbohydrate and calorie intake (and minimize the morning after headache…).

Let the celebrating begin! You can enjoy the holiday season while maintaining your commitment to optimal health. Remember this basic concept: Eat 5 small meals per day. This approach to eating is recommended to both maintain efficient metabolism and to minimize hunger. Eating often throughout the day allows for healthful food decision making. You know what happens when you become ravenous—you will eat any and all food put in front of you!