SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
With the holiday season comes the onslaught of unhealthy snacks and treats. It's not too late to pre-empt the inevitable holiday weight gain.
During the holidays, the office becomes a wonderland of sugary, high-fat foods and treats.
"They are bringing in all these trays cookies, candy and cake," said Kristine Hammond of Memorial Health.
During the holidays, there are food temptations at work. One way to avoid the holiday bulge is pick the healthier option or bring your own food choices to the workplace.
Here are four more ways to survive holiday treat cravings on the job:
1. Don't skip meals - It is easier to resist temptation if you are full.
"You got all these temptations, you have to decide are you truly hungry," said Hammond.
2. Have a plan - Decide in advance how many treats to allow yourself each week. On days when you choose to eat a treat, limit it to one cookie, a small piece of cake or another small portion. Then adjust your eating for the rest of the day to allow for these extra calories.
"There is all this junk at work," said Hammond. "If you must try it, make it a small bite. Remember the law of dimishing returns - usually with all the brain chemistry the first taste is best taste. Don't think you need to eat it all."
3. Just say no - Don't worry about hurting someone's feelings. It's not rude or impolite to say "no thank you" when offered a cookie or piece of candy.
4. Find alternatives - Keep healthy snacks in your desk drawer so that when temptation strikes, you have an alternative.
Sugar-free gum, nuts, dried fruit, whole fruit, dry cereal or whole-grain crackers and individual portions of almond butter are great healthy snack options.
"You know they will have all this stuff over the holidays, pack some healthy stuff or have a protein bar in your desk or have some nuts, so you are not tempted and don't ruin your diet."
The goal over the holidays is not to try to lose weight, but to maintain your current weight through Jan. 1.
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