Another day another article on Holiday weight loss tips. Have you ever wondered why everyone you know still gains weight this time of year - despite the fact that Holiday weight loss tips are passed around in greater numbers than Christmas cookies?

Don't get me wrong - weight loss tips are great. I love to find creative ways to cut calories and increase activity during the most fattening time of the year. In fact, here are 10 great tips that will prevent you from gaining weight over the holidays:

1. Limit your intake of calorie laden beverages. Eggnog, champagne, mochas, and hot chocolate all have one thing in common: they are packed with empty calories - avoid these beverages and load up on water instead.
2. Officially schedule exercise into your calendar. It's just too easy to let workouts slide this time of year - make a commitment to exercise and keep it.
3. Forego the goodie making. By keeping your home free from Holiday treats you will undoubtedly gain fewer pounds. However, if you simply have to make those Christmas cookies then chew gum during the baking process to prevent snacking.
4. Have fun being active. Winter is a great time to burn calories outdoors. Go skiing for a day or take the kids sledding. No snow in sight? No problem - take a brisk bike ride or power walk through the mall.
5. Use healthy ingredients. Your Holiday meal will taste even better when you seek out fresh, organic and low fat ingredients - and you'll feel better too.
6. Learn to compromise. Dying to have that peppermint mocha? Go ahead - but have it with nonfat milk and pass on the whipped cream.
7. Don't go hungry. The Holidays are a dangerous time for your metabolism. Focus on eating small balanced meals every few hours to keep your metabolism going strong.
8. Enjoy a sample. No one says you have to completely avoid the appetizers and desserts at your Holiday party - just enjoy in moderation.
9. Focus on family not food. Let's face it, this time of year is big on two things: family and food. Make an effort to place your focus primarily on your family.
10. Stick to your strategy. The best way to gain weight over the Holidays is to approach them without a plan. Using the above tips, write down the ways in which you plan to avoid weight gain this year - then periodically check up on yourself.

Just because you are exercising regularly that doesn't give you license to eat whatever you want! If you desire healthy weight loss you still need to watch your portions, regardless of your exercise schedule.

Servings: 4 Here's what you need... 2 garlic cloves, peeled 15 oz can cooked garbanzo beans, drained 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 8 stalks celery, cut into thick slices 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 tablespoons water salt and cracked black pepper to taste 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350 F. Wrap the garlic cloves in foil and roast for 10 minutes. For the hummus, in a food processor, combine the roasted garlic, garbanzo beans, lemon juice, olive oil and water. Pulse until a smooth paste forms. Season with sail and pepper. Arrange the celery sticks on a plate. Serve the hummus in a small bowl and garnish with dried parsley.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 132 calories, 3g fat, 21g carbohydrate, and 6g protein.

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