Get a head start on your resolutions

Eat, drink and be merry. It's a Christmas mantra some of us comply with a little too enthusiastically, then when January rolls around the scales groan and we shriek at the extra pounds that have appeared.

So why wait until the New Year to take charge of your expanding waistline, when you can head the crisis off early? Jump-start your New Year's resolutions in December instead and start the New Year celebrating your success.

Beware of the booze
Christmas means party time and gatherings galore, and there is no escaping socializing during the season. Unfortunately the pitfall of all this schmoozing is the bar. While you don't have to abstain from drinking altogether, here is some advice to keep in mind:
• Choose lite beer or white wine mixed with soda for a lower calorie drink.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with low-cal soft drinks or water.
• If you drink hard liquor, try low-cal mixers. For example, have a vodka and tonic instead of a vodka and coke.
• Pace yourself! Take small sips and remember you're out to mingle, not to wake up with a horrific hangover.

Don't forget to keep moving
During the festive season, it's easy to let your exercise regime slide. Yet it's even more important to be good to your body around the busy holidays. Taking the time to exercise will not only give you more energy, it will keep the scales steady, too. It needn't take up too much of your day -- a brisk walk, a quick swim, or a swift gym workout -- anything that gets your pulse racing and your body moving. You can even turn holiday chores into holiday fitness with easy tips from Homemakers.com.