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Roscas, cookies, cakes, flan, guisos, the pig roast, coquito, may I say more?  If you are worry about gaining weight during this holiday season - keep reading because I have some simple and easy tips to help you maintain your weight (or even lose a few pounds) during this Holiday season.

Let me share a few simple tips that won’t deprive you from having fun at a party. And remember that the key to maintaining and losing weight is still the same - You got to eat fewer calories than your body burns. So keep those portions tiny!


1. If you plan to go to a party, eat a low fat breakfast and lunch to save up a few extra calories.

2. Do not arrive at a party early or overly hungry.

3. Bring a calorie dish to a party.

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4. Drinking 8 ounces of water or other no calorie beverage every 2 hours will help you keep from overeating later in the day.

5. Stay away from the buffet table!

6. Grab a small plate and only choose foods that you like.

7. If you don’t like something - do not eat it - save the calories for something delicious.

8. If you have been waiting to eat an indulgent dish all year long, exercise before the party or share a piece with someone.

9. Keep busy. We are more likely to overeat when we are bored or tired.

10. Eat to match your metabolism. There will be hungry times and not so hungry times. Let your body direct your eating habits.

11. Use the airline rule: Take care of yourself first then worry about the others.

12. Plan your beverages as they too have calories. Either pour your favorite beverage or soda into a small cup or grab a mini soda can, such as Coca-Cola’s mini cans with only 90 calories.

13. If you have a setback, don’t punish yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Just get back on track as soon as you can. If you ate too much at a party, try to eat lighter meals the next day.

14. Trust your instincts. Don’t feel pressured to eat something you don’t want to eat. Look for other options until you feel comfortable.

15. Entertaining doesn’t have to be a lot of work. Ask family and friends to pitch in too.

16. Enjoy the company of your guests and family – you have earned it.

17. Keep your sense of humor handy.

18. Keep your conversations positive.

19. Take time to look your best. Just 10 minutes can mean the difference between looking and feeling fabulous or stress.

20. Do your very best!

Sylvia Meléndez Klinger, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, is founder of Hispanic Food Communications, a food communications and culinary consulting company based in Hinsdale, Ill. She is Hispanic and uses her in-depth culinary and cultural expertise to introduce new strategies for wellness to an increasingly health-conscious Hispanic population. For more on her, go to hispanicfoodcommunications.com.

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