If you're like me or many others, perhaps you also have problem in maintaining a healthy diet during the holiday season. I know many people do fasting the week before Thanksgiving Day so that they don't feel guilty when sitting down and enjoying the feast during this holiday. This has sometimes been the norm rather than the exception.

If you have an all year long diet that you want to maintain, here are some tips for sticking to it without having to fast or worry about gaining the extra pounds.

Before you start the holiday feast with your families or friends, drink a few glasses of water and have some protein snacks. This will help to alleviate the need to begin nibbling before the feast commences. You can apply this tactic everytime when you are invited to a party or gathering.

Prepare a vegetable tray for guests with a low fat dip. If you have been invited to someone's home, bring a vegetable tray as well. It is not only healthy but is a wonderful alternative for others who may be dieting as well.

Check out some recipes online that can be incorporated in preparing holiday meals and which offer substitutes for high-fat content. In addition, instead of the array of desserts traditionally served every year, why not make an angel food cake and top it with berries and low fat whipped cream.

Serve vegetables along with the Thanksgiving turkey. This is not only a healthy alternative to stuffing but can be served in many different ways. If serving a salad, use low fat dressing. A delicious homemade vegetable soup can be prepared as a second course instead of pasta.

There are so many different ways in which to use alternative or healthy foods during the holidays, yet still enjoy every morsel. Moreover, portion control is the key to maintaining any diet. We all know that holiday fare consists of many courses. Take a walk with family members or friends in between courses. If the weather permits, play a game in the backyard. Just remember to always substitute foods high in fat with recipes that are just as pleasing to the eye and taste as the traditional foods offered during the holiday season.

These are just some tips to help you maintain a healthy diet and enjoy the holidays at the same time.

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