I Samuel 25:6   “Long life to you! Good health to you and your household. And good health to all that is yours.”

“ ‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa lalalala lalalala!”   No one wants to be on a diet over the holidays, but how does one not gain the 2-3 pounds the average person puts on during the holiday season?  The following are tips gotten from the internet on how to avoid the extra poundage and sluggish feeling of eating too much and too well.

Five Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

1. Exercise. If you have extra time off during the holidays, use it wisely.
2. Eat regularly. Don't starve yourself in anticipation of a holiday party.
3. Watch your alcohol intake. You can drink calories, too.
4. Beware of sweets. Rich, sugary foods make you crave more rich, sugary foods.
5. Be assertive. You don't have to say yes to every offer of food just to be polite. 

• Become a taster — take a bite and throw out the rest. 
• Maximize your sampling — take one bite each of four different hors d’oeuvres in order to get variety while saving calories. 
• Don’t go to a party overly hungry. Eating a small portion of nonfat, sugar-free yogurt or a cup of clear soup before the party will help you maintain control. 
• Preplan your choices at a buffet by cruising the line before you fill your plate. 
• Do not feel obligated to please your host by cleaning your plate. If you do not want to try something, say you are saving room for the next course. 
• Ask for milk instead of cream for your coffee or tea. 
• Prepare (or purchase) eggnog made with two percent or skim milk. 
• Fat-free doesn’t mean calorie-free — plan accordingly. 
• Eat raw vegetables instead of chips. 
• Use salsa as your dip of choice. 
• Drink plenty of fluids — at least 64 ounces. At least half should be water. 
And to compensate for the extra calories you are bound to consume:
• Keep your activity up. Try to take a half-hour walk on most days. 
• Walk around the mall before you start to shop. 
• Add extra steps to your day — walk around your office or house every 30 minutes. Get up and stretch for a 5-minute break. 
• Get off the elevator at least one flight before your destination and then walk the rest. 
• Park far away from the store. 
• Walk up an escalator. 

Remember: Jesus is the reason for the season!  In the midst of holiday preparations, activities, get-togethers, buying and giving and getting, we may forget to remember and live out the real meaning of Christmas: Jesus Christ was born. Isaiah 9:6  “ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonder Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus came and walked among us and redeemed us. All the preparations, activities and gifts will pass away, but Jesus remains forever.   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life.”