Holiday Diet Destroyers

Holiday Diet Destroyers

Top 11 Holiday Diet Destroyers

Making it from fall to the New Year without gaining a few pounds is the true holiday miracle. Take a look at the top 11 reasons your diet gets derailed during this season of celebration and learn how to keep it on track.

Number 11: Oversized Portions

One helping of mashed potatoes doesn't necessarily equal one serving, especially if it's the size of a. Out-of-control servings can do any dieter in -- leaving you with several servings of . And since you'll most likely eat whatever's in front of you, it's

Number 10: Nonstop Parties

It's party season and you're sure to encounter high-cal drinks and sweets at every one. One way to safeguard against mindless grazing on fried munchies is to avoid going to parties overly hungry. Once there, put healthy food on your plate then step away from the spread. And when it comes to drinks, stick with wine spritzers or seltzer.

Number 9: Food Pushers

You know the drill -- you're surrounded by relatives pushing pies and candied yams who won't take no for an answer. Don't let their well-intentioned pushing derail your diet. Choose the healthiest dishes for your meal and take only very small portions of the heavier foods as sides. You'll appease them -- and yourself.

Number 8: Decadent Desserts

One slice of pecan pie has about 400 calories. That's more than your average candy bar. A lighter dessert option is pumpkin pie, which has 200 calories. Just be sure to limit yourself to one slice and skip the whipped topping and ice cream on the side.

Number 7: Letting It All Go

Who hasn't used overeating at a party as an excuse to toss in the towel on dieting altogether? But it's not just a few days of overindulging that accounts for holiday weight gain, it's throwing all caution to the wind and all meals from November to January. A better idea? Adjust for overdoing it at holiday gatherings by eating healthy and cutting back at all of the others.

Number 6: Holiday Stress

It's pretty common to be overwhelmed by your own to-do list this time of year. Between shopping, cooking and attending parties your nerves might be a bit frazzled -- and what's more calming than a plate of fries or a piece of chocolate? Instead of a calorie-fest, find non-food de-stressors, such as listening to music or taking a walk.

Number 5: Drinking Calories

Eggnog maybe a holiday favorite but one tasty cup contains about 257 calories and 14 grams of fat -- and that's not including the distilled spirits. Instead of throwing away calories on a cocktail, enjoy a sparkling glass of champagne, which weighs in at a more reasonable 100 calories.

Number 4: It's Everywhere

It's difficult to pass up the homemade cheesy casserole and pumpkin pie your mom has served every holiday for as long as you can remember. But you don't have to deprive yourself to keep your diet intact. Don't waste calories on appetizers or cocktails. Save them for the comfort foods you really want to enjoy.

Number 3: Inactivity

Between cold weather and numerous family gatherings and office parties to attend, exercise may seem like the easiest thing to cross off your mile-long list of things to do. Given that even the most cautious dieter is bound to overindulge at some point during holiday season, giving up your workouts might not be the smartest move ? not to mention how hard it will be to re-start your routine after an extended break. Vow to keep active to counter some of the extra calories you're likely to consume. Maybe you won't be hitting the gym as often as you usually do, but every little bit helps.