As the holiday season is official upon us, we all want to avoid added stress and pounds. Here's a great piece we found:

Use exercise to reduce stress and weight gain

Wellness Coaches USA

Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, boost energy, build your immune system, and help beat seasonal depression! Making time for exercise can be difficult during the busy holiday season. Writing exercise into your daily planner will help you budget time for it. To save time, skip the trip to the gym and try new exercises at home or on the road. Shoot for 20 minutes on the busy days and save longer sessions for event-free days. Involve and inspire others in your quest to be active!

For a new twist on old holiday traditions, organize an active holiday gathering or take a family walk after the meal. You will feel better, have more energy, and be more likely to eat smarter.

Challenge #1: Food-focused celebrations
Holiday strategy:
• Make socializing, rather than food, the focus of the event.
• Stand far away and with your back to the buffet table.
• Make it a point to learn something new about someone you do not know well.

Challenge #2: Tempting, tasty treats
Holiday strategy:
• Eat a little before you go; hunger can undo the best intentions.
• Offer to bring a food dish. Make it a healthy one!
• Pass up the everyday snacks. Spend your calories on the treats you really want.
• Plan how much alcohol you will drink. It loosens inhibitions and contributes to excess calories. Try drinking water in between each drink.

Challenge #3: Too many events
Holiday strategy:
• Practice saying, “No, thank you.” It is ok to turn down invitations.
• Do not feel the need to attend every event.

Challenge #4: Your goals fall by the way side
Holiday strategy:
• Plan in advance.
• Seek support from friends and family.
• Rather than planning to lose weight, set goals to maintain weight.