6 Steps to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The holidays don?t have to wreck all of your weight loss progress. Sure there are temptations around every corner but you can tackle them with a few sure-fire strategies. Here are some tips to keep you on track during the holidays so you can enjoy and still manage your weight.

1.Choose what you love.
When it comes to holiday parties there are often many not so healthy food choices. Don?t eat food just because it?s there and don?t feel like you have to restrict yourself from eating things you enjoy. Find some balance. Pick one or two foods you absolutely love and fill the rest of your plate up with healthy salads, vegetables, and lean meats.

2.Baking Traditions.
Don?t feel like you have to give up your time honored family holiday recipes. Bake enough for a few days for your family and give the rest away for gifts to your friends and neighbors. This way you won?t be tempted with these wonderful baked goods for weeks.

3.Don?t Arrive Hungry.
So many parties and so many wonderful dishes and desserts. Arriving to a party hungry can lead you to eat too much. Eat a high protein snack before your holiday get together to avoid feeling starving when you sit down to eat. This will help you to avoid overeating once the food arrives.

4.Watch the Alcohol.
Between work, friends, and family, there are several holiday parties to attend which for many people means more alcoholic beverages. Holiday mixed drinks can pack an enormous amount of calories. One cup of hot buttered rum can cost you 400 calories while traditional eggnog can add 350 calories. Not to mention, alcohol can slow down fat metabolism leading you to store more calories than burn them. Limiting the alcohol this season can help you to keep your weight management goals on target.

5.Get Some Activity.
You know you will be indulging a bit more than you usually do so getting some activity will go a long way to burn off some of those extra calories. Go for a daily walk, go to the gym, or take an exercise class during this time of year to help you balance your energy intake (calories) with your physical activity.

6.Get Back to Your Healthy Habits.
According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the average weight gain of the study?s participants from Thanksgiving to New Year?s was less than one pound. The weight increase is not dramatic like many people would think; however, what is important is that the participants did not reverse their slight weight gain during the following months. This goes to show how important it is to keep your focus during and after the holidays. It is not a time to let go of all the healthy changes you have made but instead, a time to find balance. Stay on track during and after the holidays instead of slipping into old patterns.

? 2005, Meri Raffetto

Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She specializes in weight management and cardiovascular nutrition and offers online programs to help people reach their weight loss and health goals. For more information or to sign up for a free newsletter visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.

Jewelry As A Father's Day Gift

It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry. So, why not present Dad with a gift of jewelry this Father?s Day.

Jewelry gifts that you might consider for that special Father in your life could include a gold or silver watch, a handsome sterling silver or 14kt gold chain or masculine link bracelet. With a chain you might include a manly pendant with a nautical or sports theme.

As for rings, there are many rugged designs available in 14kt gold or sterling silver with stones like turquoise, onyx, malachite and lapis. Also, many men are fond of masculine settings of small diamonds and other gemstones.

Celtic jewelry designs, such as Celtic crosses, Celtic knots, etc? are great choices for Dad on Father?s Day.

If your Dad has a pierced ear maybe he would appreciate a small stud earring; the choices here are endless.

Remember this, men tend to avoid interchanging jewelry in the way that many women do. With this in mind, avoid costume jewelry and focus on durable quality pieces that Dad can wear day in and day out.

The following are some tips for buying jewelry for Dad on Father?s Day. He will be proud of you for being a smart jewelry consumer and for saving some money, too.

Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when you are shopping for a jewelry gift to celebrate the next chapter of your special Father?s life.

1. There?s a big difference between 14 karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. Gold-plated describes jewelry with a layer of at least 10K gold bonded to a base metal. Gold plating eventually wears away, depending on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.

2. If you?re buying a watch, determine whether you want one that runs on a battery or one that must be wound daily. Ask if a warranty or guarantee is included, how long it lasts, and what parts and repair problems it covers. Also ask how and where you can get the watch serviced and repaired.

3. Know the difference between laboratory-created gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in the lab are visually identical to stones mined from the earth. The big difference is in the cost: laboratory-created stones are less expensive then naturally mined stones. But because they look much like stones mined from the earth, they must be identified as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it has been treated. Gemstone treatments? such as heating, dyeing or bleaching? can improve a stone?s appearance or durability. Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care requirements. Treatments also may affect the stone?s value.

4. When you?re buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is sometimes ?graded? on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a ?D? may be the best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color of the diamond you?re considering. A diamond can be described as ?flawless? only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

When shopping for Father?s Day jewelry online, apply these tips.

1.Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.

2.Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust.

3.Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.

4.Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of ?How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.? This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

3 Great Memorial Day Party Ideas

Memorial Day is held in honor of the men and women who died during military service. Since they made the sacrifice for our country you may wish to hold a charity asking people to sacrifice for the soldiers. You can easily put together a backyard BBQ as you normally would for your party, but this time put out change jars for guests to put their loose change into which can be donated to any number of veteran's organizations to benefit the living relatives of deceased military members. If you like you can see about contacting members of a local veteran's association to make an appearance at your party. They can enjoy some food and mingle to tell people about what its like in the military and of the nature of their cause.

If you can hang the flag at half mast on Memorial Day. It may even be possible to work a flag raising ceremony into your party schedule, with a moment of silence as you raise the flag to half mast in the memory of fallen soldiers. This will serve to bring home the importance of the holiday to so many.

For this solemn occasion raise a collection of money from your neighbors and relatives to use in the purchase of wreaths. Then on Memorial Day gather a group of volunteers to visit the graves of military members and work to clean them up. There are many places where the graves of civil war veterans are neglected and forgotten. You can set fallen tombstones upright, pull up weeds and mow the grass and put out the wreaths. The will show relatives of the deceased that people are aware of their family members sacrifice and it will leave you with a good feeling. Now you've got ideas, don't sit at home, get out there and do something this Memorial Day.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free Party Games to help complete your event.

Christmas Crafts for Kids

With the holiday season soon upon us, it?s time to think about some fun crafts you can do with your children in preparation of Christmas. My kids love doing holiday crafts, and I?m sure yours will too! It has always been challenging to find age-appropriate crafts that all of the children will enjoy making. My children each have a few years between them, so we have amassed quite a collection of crafts and craft ideas. Here are a few suggestions you can use. Consider it an early Christmas gift from me to you!

Bead garlands are one of my all-time favorite crafts. They are fun to make, extremely colorful, and great for children of all ages. You will need some string or plastic cord, a whole lot of beads, some scissors, and some glue. Cut the string or cord to the desired length, and thread it through the first bead. Tie a knot around that bead, and add some glue to keep it secure. Now add the rest of your beads. When you reach the end, tie the string off on the last bead and add some more glue. Now that was fun, wasn?t it?

Pine cone ornaments have also become classics in our Christmas craft repertoire. They are appropriate for children of any age, and keep very well in storage. You will need to spend some time collecting the pine cones. We collect them when we are out walking the dog. We simply paint them with silver or gold paint, and cover them with glitter. Let them dry somewhere safe, and tie them to your tree with a piece of ribbon. Are you getting in the holiday spirit, yet?

Bell ornaments are also a lot of fun to make, and they will last for years to come. We feel that small terra cotta pots are the best to use. Have the children paint the pot green, and allow it to dry. Once the pot is completely dry, attach fake jewels or beads to it with glitter glue. Then thread a small bell with some ribbon, and pull the ribbon up through the hole in the pot. Tie a knot in the ribbon so the bell stays secure, and add any other final touches you might like. I am sure your kids will love these crafts as much as mine do! Have a wonderful holiday, all!

About The Author
Catherine Spelling absolutely loves spending Christmas with family and friends. When she is not counting down the days until Christmas, she writes for christmaslightsanddecorations.com? an online resources for all things relating to Christmas and decorations, with information about Decorating for Christmas, Christmas Lights, and Everything Christmas.

What Are the Holidays All About?

It seems today that when the holidays are around the corner, all the corporations are creating deals and coupons for consumers to buy. It's almost like fishing with the right bait. Have the holidays become too materialistic?

It's madness! I cannot believe that when you go to the mall there are no parking spots and barely any room to breathe. A smart consumer should be able to make a decision whether or not is time to go shopping. Also recognizing the need for a new product is very important. People should buy just what they need and maybe just a little something for spoiling purposes.

Today, consumers don't only buy what the need and not event what they truly want but what the corporations push and make us think it's a good deal. I feel sorrow for people with obsessive shopping disorder but I feel even more grief for the average person that don?t even want to see the Holiday madness and the manipulations. The holidays should be about family and friends and not about madness shopping.

If this is what holiday shopping has become, we need a recovery program. Some sort of sessions to transform the victims of madness shopping back into civilized parents and community leaders.

Happy Holidays!

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Time for Christmas Plans

Usually all Christmas plans are made up ahead, but if several weeks before the holiday you still don?t know where to go on your so desperately expected vacations, may be this article can help you to define your preferences.

The fist thing you should remember is that usually by the beginning of December all the best places are already booked. So, prepare to spend more money, time and nerves, than, for example, in October.

The fist thing to decide is the type of vacation you would like to have. At first ? would you prefer winter of summer? Some can?t imagine their Christmas without snow; others deserve to escape from the frost. If you decide to warm up in the end of December, you are most likely to choose one of the sea resorts somewhere near equator. The most popular are Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, India or Dominican Republic. All these countries have their own advantages, but if you like just to lay on the sun than choose Maldives. In other places there is so much to see, that your tan could be rather pale. You can also choose on the small islands in Polynesia ? sun, ocean and palms ? if that?s all you need from your holidays than it would be a perfect choice.

Those, who prefer the active way of life, can go in for diving or windsurfing. All these resorts offer the outstanding opportunities for these sports.

If you have chosen not to be deprived of snow and winter then you still have a lot of possibilities and variants. You may go to a country with a lot of historical attractions and devote your time to excursions, shopping (Christmas sales are very attractive) and meet New Year on the main square surrounded by crowds of celebrating people from all over the world. Christmas tree as a symbol is as must. Cities ideal for this kind of holiday are Paris, New York, Prague. Frankly speaking, any big city in the Northern hemisphere can be suitable. You will return full of souvenirs and new impressions.

If you like sport, particularly alpine skiing than the best choice is, without any doubt, Alps. There you can find comfort and nature, interesting entertainment programs and remoteness from the cities? noise. French, Swiss or Austrian Alps - all perfectly match. If you live in the United States and don?t like to fly across the ocean, you can spend you vacations on one of the Colorado mountain resorts.

We have examined a lot of variants, but all of them need at least a week. What to do if you have just few days but still want to change your surroundings? In that case you can choose not so distant country or even travel within your country?s borders. Just choose the place where you have never been and your trip will full your with new emotions.

Some people always spend their holidays in the same place. May be this year it?s time to change situation? If you don?t feel like it, just go where you are used to and feel comfortable and relaxed. No matter where you will be on vacations, the most important is the mood, the atmosphere and the people who are with you. If all these components are fine, your holiday will be a success!

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Going Solo on Valentine's Day: Advice For Singles

The stores are decorated in candy hearts, flowers and bears. Every TV or radio commercial reminds you that it?s time to remember your sweetheart on this special day for lovers. Your feelings range from sadness, to revulsion to anger. What?s a single person to do? The following suggestions are designed to both answer that question and to help you have a good day after all, while working to make it your last solo one.

Celebrate the day by planning an activity that is meaningful and enjoyable to you.

Choose something that provides you with a special treat.

* Go to a day spa for ?the works?

* plan an intimate dinner for 3 or 4

* go ice-skating or to the movies with a fun friend

* go out to dinner and a movie with a group of other singles

* Focus on what you enjoy and make a conscious decision about how to mark the day

* Un-Valentines Day parties are very popular and can be a lot of silly fun. You can attend one or throw one of your own.

Design a relationship-building plan.

Let the holiday provide you with the motivation to take risks, try new ideas and gain the knowledge that will enable you to find and create a lasting, intimate relationship.

* Sit down at the computer or with pen and paper in hand and get your plan written down.

* Begin by making a list of resources that can be used to help you meet available singles. These can include: on-line dating sites, singles groups, volunteer activities, or participation in sports or other activities that you enjoy.

*Decide when and how often you will participate in any activity you have chosen.

*Make a budget for both time and available funds for this purpose.

*Do your homework and research each resource so the information will be available when you need it.

Review those resolutions you made, or make some if you haven?t yet.

Think about what is really important to you. Remind yourself that implementing and sticking to these will help ensure that you are really ready for that special relationship. Being the kind of person you want to be with is the first step.

Begin with concrete goals. For example:

*stick with a healthy diet

* exercise three times a week

* plan one organizational task per week, etc.

Taking care of yourself and living well will optimize your chances for relationship success. Start today.

Work to eliminate negative thinking.

When a negative thought comes into your mind, take a moment to think about what is beneath it. Then, tell yourself that thinking this way is not good for you. Make a decision to drop the thought and try to think of something (anything) that is positive. It can be as simple as focusing on what a beautiful day it is outside, to feeling grateful that you survived the current wave of lay-offs in your company.

Use this technique for situations as well. Ask yourself how you can view the situation differently. Try to find one positive angle or outcome that could result from an otherwise bad situation. For example, you are being laid off from your job. You have been unhappy for a long time, but could not motivate yourself to do anything about it. Now, you have the motivation to look for a new job, or perhaps change careers. Think of all the possibilities that could open up for you.

Negative thinking is a downward spiral that leads to negative behavior and possibly depression. Consciously choose to challenge these thoughts, and empower yourself with a more positive outlook and approach to life.

Hopefully these tips will assist you in having a better ?solo? Valentine?s Day than you might have been headed for. Enjoy the day by doing something fun. Then focus on your relationship plan and empower yourself to build the healthy, lasting relationship of your dreams.

Toni Coleman, MSW is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship coach and founder of http://www.consum-mate.com. As a recognized expert, Toni has been quoted in many local and national publications including: The Chicago Tribune, The Orlando Sentinel, New York Daily News, Indianapolis Star and Newsweek newspapers and Family Circle, Woman's Day, Cosmo Style, Tango, Men?s Health, Star (regularly quoted body language expert), and Nirvana magazines. She has been featured on abcnews.com; discovery.health.com; aolnews.com; MSN.com, Match.com and planetearthradio.com. Toni offers dating help and relationship advice as the weekly love and dating coach on the KTRS Radio Morning Show (St. Louis, MO) and through her syndicated column, ?Dear Dating Coach.? Her newsletter, The Art Of Intimacy, helps over fifty-five hundred subscribers with its dating and relationship advice. Toni is a member of The International Coach Federation, The International Association Of Coaches and The National Association of Social Workers.