From the Biggest Loser Club email. I know it's post Turkey-day, but these rules also apply just as well to Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

I hope that everyone is doing well, has recovered from the excessiveness of the holiday eating spirit, and is looking forward to resuming their diet and exercise plans.

I'll admit that I was no saint during Thanksgiving as I partook of a plentitude of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, but I am eager to get back on track and resume my healthy(er) diet, and exercise regimine.

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Thanksgiving week marks the beginning of a six-week holiday period. Without doubt, it is the most challenging time period of the year. It's dark, cold, and parties are happening all over the place. Most Americans have NO activity/diet program from Thanksgiving until mid-January. Have you thought about how you will approach this year's holidays?

Before you think about the WHOLE holiday, how about thinking of just this week? Check in with yourself and see what you want to accomplish. There are three possible outcomes: (1) Continue Losing Weight, (2) Hold Your Ground, or (3) Lose Ground. What do you want to accomplish?

Here are a few thoughts about each:
(1) Continue Losing Weight You CAN succeed at losing weight during the holidays!! You just have to want it enough and decide that you are willing to take care of yourself in the midst of a lot of temptations. The keys to success are consistent exercise, a specific plan, and ongoing support. You can find the plan and support here at the BL website.

(2) Hold Your Ground (see below)

(3) Lose Ground Most Americans lose ground/gain weight during the week of Thanksgiving. The real problem, however, is that nothing is done about it until mid-January. A key to long-term weight loss success is learning how to RECOVER from lapses. Imagine what might happen if you "blew it" during T-giving holiday, but got right back on your program on Monday. Sure, you might have gained a pound or two of actual weight, but you can lose that weight and some before Christmas week. What does this require? Accepting responsibility and forgiving yourself for not being "perfect." Get back on the horse.


Holding Your Ground

There is nothing wrong with choosing to hold your own during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Truly, it is no easy feat.

• Eat a healthy breakfast on Thursday morning.
• Go EXERCISE on Thursday before the big meal. This may mean taking a walk with a family member or taking a 30-minute break from the festivities.
• Eat a late morning snack. Avoid eating foods that you are preparing. Make sure that you have a small HEALTHY snack 3 hours before you sit down for your big Thanksgiving meal