By Lauren Studer, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Carey Primary Care

It's the most wonderful time of the year. It can be for some of us, while others totally dread the holiday season. The holidays are filled with seeing long-lost family and friends and maybe spending a little too much time with the family you are obligated to see. No matter what your family and friend situation may be, we all face the dreaded “holiday weight.” 

During this time of year, I hear my patients tell me that there are so many treats around the office, and they find themselves going to parties here and there, which is why they have put on weight. Once the new year rolls around, they will get back on the diet wagon. But my comeback question is always, “Why do you take a two-month break from your diet?” In this scenario, many people are letting bad habits form in that time, which makes them harder to break come January. 

I often ask, “Why not just take the holiday season one day at a time?” You will probably have more “cheat days,” but you can still have those all-important good days. If you happen to overindulge on Thanksgiving, that doesn't mean you can't return to your normal diet that following Friday. 

Try some of these tips during this holiday season and face the dreaded scale with a little more confidence this January.

• Keep to your diet for as many meals as possible.
• Have the things you have been craving: pie, cookies, etc., but don't go crazy.
• Keep exercising 

If you have a bad day, it's okay. Just start over tomorrow, and don't beat yourself up about it.

Also, remember, it's okay to say “no, thank you.” You don't have to eat everything people bring over. If you politely decline, they will get over it if you don't eat their famous pumpkin pie.

In short, it's okay to have “cheat days” and enjoy all the foods you have been missing, but it’s important to then start back with those good diet and exercise habits. Enjoy the holidays. There are plenty of other things that will stress you out this time of year, so don't let your diet be an additional stressor. Keep in mind that tomorrow is a brand-new day.