Five tips for helping you stay away from 'holiday fat'

Choose healthy recipes

There are some healthy options that you can eat during the holidays. For the cookers of the family, really think about the ingredients that you normally use and then think about how you can make the dish healthier.

Sleep

Lack of sleep not only leads to stress, it can also lead to weight gain. Some studies have shown that losing sleep can affect your metabolism and the secretion of cortisol, one hormone that regulates appetite. Think of a good night's sleep as a necessity (much like oxygen) to keep you sane and keep your stress and hormone levels in check.

Exercise

Working out may seem like the last thing you have time for, but it's essential for keeping your weight in check and your stress at manageable levels. Try circuit training and focus on using compound exercises, so you work more than one muscle group at the same time.