5 ways to beat holiday weight and still keep you sane

Exercise.
Yes, you are busy, you couldn't care less, there much better think to do and so on. Before you start complaining, think about it this way, be creative (read my previous article on creative holiday workout). You are just going to have to make time because working out definitely help you reduce holiday stress (yep, holiday can be very stressful ordeal) AND help you keep extra holiday pounds from all that party food at bay. Instead of trying to fit an hour a day for exercise, try to break it into manageable segments by finding 15 minutes 2 to 3 times throughout the day. Do quick workout, it could be walking the stairs up and down, looking for your missing belt or running through the mall for last minute shopping-whatever works !. Also, instead of concentrating on one body part each exercise, why not do compound exercise where you target more than one body part at a time. You'll enjoy the holidays a lot more if you are relaxed, stress-free and feeling good about yourself.

Relax
No matter how busy your schedule is, always find time to cool down. Chilling out could make the holiday whirlwind much easier to face. Try taking a relaxing bath, reading your favorite book, doing some yoga or do some deep breathing. Even deep breathing can help keep your stress hormones in check. While sitting straight on a chair or floor, breath in deeply through your nostrils allowing your belly to bulge out with the inhale, then exhale through your mouth very slowly, contracting your abs at the end. Repeat this a few times.

Indulge moderately
Special occasions offer things we don't usually indulge in like pies, sweetcakes, fattening drinks, and those butter cookies... Its easy to get caught up and overindulge yourself. So the best way is to plan ahead (refer to Holiday Eating). Eat healthy snack beforehand to keep you full and grab a glass of water when you get there to fill up and keep you hydrated.