Boys and girls of all ages, Christmas is on its way again. You know it is the holiday season when everyone is flabbergasted that the Christmas decorations are being sold before Halloween has come. You have done all the work to lose weight and finally feel good about your body. If you made it through the gauntlet of Halloween and Thanksgiving without packing the pounds back on here are a few tips to keep you fit for Christmas. 1. Throw a party- if you throw the party you have more control over the food ingredients and preparation and you are more likely to stay on your feet than to sit on the couch and eat.

2. Portion control- it is more than okay to have a taste of our favorite Christmas classics just keep the portions small and pile on vegetables to take up more room on your plate and in your belly.

3. Optional sauces- instead of slathering everything with sauces or butter leave the dressings on the side so that party goers can choose.

4. Turkey or chicken- make several meats available so there are choices and make sure to remove skin from turkey or chicken as that is where the most fat is.

5. Mix spritzers- by making mixed drinks you ingest less alcohol and with carbination you will drink more slowly. Champagne is also a good choice.

6. Avoid desert liquors- any desert liquor with cream is laden with calories and fat.

7. Don’t grocery shop too far in advance- if the food is hanging around the house in preparation for the party you will be more tempted to snack before the actual event.

8. Chew gum while you cook- of course tasting is necessary to ensure palate pleasing flavor but chewing gum while you are cooking keeps you from nibbling on your delicacy.

9. Suggest a walk- the day after your event or even after all the food has been eaten suggest a walk to a family member or friend. It will be a good way to get fresh air and burn a few of those extra calories (or escape a nosy relative).

10. Stay away from trigger foods- if you know that pumpkin pie is your weakness don’t make it! Do not tempt yourself; there are many alternative deserts that the whole family can enjoy.