Between holiday treats at the office and post-work party dessert bonanzas -- not to mention booze, booze, booze -- the risk is high that you're beginning to look a lot like Santa. The good news is that you can indulge in holiday festivities without gaining weight, as long as you mind your metabolism.
Here are a few tips from the experts:
Drink a glass of water upon waking. It's important for hydration and can cut daily food intake by 13 percent.
Start your day with exercise. It helps your body store what you eat subsequently as muscle energy, known as glycogen, instead of as fat.
Eat a complete breakfast. You'll end up eating a lot less later in the day. A well-balanced meal with protein, fibrous carbohydrates and some fats gives you a feeling of fullness.
Office treats: Take one and don't look back.
Get up from your desk: To help stimulate your metabolism, do something active each hour. Even just standing up burns more calories than sitting.
Have a lunch of protein and fiber, such as a large, dark green salad with chicken breast or salmon, using lemon, olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette as dressing.
