Holiday Indulgence

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and as all the holiday goodies are being made, many people have something else on their minds....their weight. The holidays are a time of indulgence and decadence--not a bad thing--but with that can come weight gain. And so begins the holiday workout crunch. Even those who don't usually exercise find themselves on the treadmill, trying in vain to squeeze in a year's worth of exercise in just a few weeks. As a former personal trainer, I've grown used to the crowded conditions at the gym this time of year. And while I understand the desire to work off the extra food that is consumed this time of year, it never ceases to amaze me how much determination I see in these people...until mid-February rolls around. Then, just like that, the crowd disappears...until the holidays roll around again the next year and the cycle begins again. How many of you are guilty of this?

Although it has most likely been drilled into your heads time and again, I'd like to reiterate that holiday indulgence isn't a bad thing, if you follow a healthy diet and regular exercise routine in your everyday life. A little extra dessert at Thanksgiving won't kill you...as long as you don't eat the entire pumpkin pie!

Many experts will give you tips to help you avoid overeating over the holidays, but we'd like to hear your personal tips for enjoying yourself without depriving yourself of all the goodies that only come out around the holidays. Please share them here.