Holiday Eating: Make Smart Choices

Holidays are full of so many amazing treats and delicious foods. It can be a tough time if you're trying to achieve or maintain health goals.

Cocktails
There are calories in most beverages you consume. Alcohol has more calories than carbohydrates or protein, but you can get more bang for your buck with hard alcohol, requiring less of it to get a buzz. Beware of calorie-filled mixers.

Beer has more calories than hard alcohol. Wine typically has about 120 calories for four to six ounces, but who drinks only six ounces of wine?

Sip a glass of water between cocktails. If you imbibe too much alcohol, you may get the munchies. Be kind to your waistline and monitor your alcohol consumption.

Family Feasts
Feel free to taste everything. Take a fork or spoonful of each dish. Fill one plate and stick to what's on that single plate. You want to have room for dessert.

If you can't resist a second visit to the buffet table, consider using some white kidney bean extract up to 30 minutes before your meal. A supplement like Phase 2 (white kidney bean extract) inhibits the absorption of starchy carbohydrates by up to 65 percent.

Consider having just an au jus gravy instead of adding starch to thicken. Enjoy the flavors from the cooked meat.

Don't fast or eat right before heading to a feast. Have some yogurt in the morning. If you know there won't be enough vegetables at the meal, have a salad early in the day.

Make sure you don't fill up on all of the amazing appetizers.

Office Treats
Use willpower when you can and moderation when you can't. Know there will be candy bowls and treats your co-workers share.

Exercise
Get moving to fight off seasonal depression. It's good for your joints, cardiovascular system, bone health and waistline. Go to shopping centers or museums to get some casual exercise. Outdoor sports with the family are a great way to burn off those feasts.

Chef Satisfaction
If you're preparing the meal and tasting everything, you may not be very hungry when you sit down for the meal. Limit yourself to a smaller vessel for tasting if you can't resist going back for more.

Wear comfortable shoes when cooking to avoid strain. Use your kitchen for lunges, calf raises and counter push ups to integrate some fitness into your cooking day.

Listen in as Dr. Felicia Stoler shares her best advice for navigating the holiday festivities.