Extreme Weight Loss Is So ... Extreme

With the seasonal changes, diminishing light, hibernating animals and layers of sweaters, it is so tempting to eat cocktail weenies, fancy cheeses, fudge, cookies and wash it all down with some brandy spiked egg nog because - hey, no one's gonna see my body in daylight until the summer solstice!

But, suppose you are a forward thinking individual and want to maintain the weight you have through the holidays, there are many things you can do to achieve weight stability.

LOW INTENSITY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Walk more and drink more water. You are running around, shopping for the holidays and your gym schedule is nonexistent. Remember the old calories-in, calories-out formula. Walk around the mall. Park your car farther away. Take the stairs instead of the escalator. You can do these little things to maintain your weight. Remember, you don't have to lose. You just have to stay put with your weight while you move around with your body.

MEDIUM INTENSITY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

You don't want to gain even one single measly pound this holiday season. You have bikinis to wear and taking the stairs will not help keep your thighs in firm condition. I understand. Don't eat after 7 p.m. You will have parties to attend but even so, eat nothing. Stay away from the alcohol too. Alcohol not only has calories but we all know (or at least I know too well) that once I'm a little lit I'll eat those cocktail weenies without a care in the world. Stay strong mentally and don't imbibe. Designate yourself as the driver. And, if you can, dance, dance, dance the night away.

EXTREME WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

No one knows you better than you do. And you may say, Cathanne, that sounds very nice but when I'm at the mall I'll eat the free samples. I can't take the stairs because the mall in my area is contained on one floor. I have no willpower - I see fudgy goodness and fudgy goodness wants me. My place of employment is full of such jerks that if I don't drink at the party I may kill them all. Dancing? You may cackle, don't even think about it.

I hear you, sister. What you need is isolation. Stay home, don't go to parties. Don't go to the mall. Pretend you have the flu and demand no one bring you soup.

I strongly advise against taking this route. Don't be a Holiday Season Scrooge. You may gain a few pounds but ultimately, your health and diet and exercise program throughout the year is what will save your bikini thighs when the Holidays roll around, over, and on top of you.