Ask Joe Weider

This week, as we find ourselves in the thick of the holiday season, I've decided to gift you with a special edition of Ask Joe Weider in which I provide tips you can use to avoid the unwanted weight gain that welcomes so many into the new year.

I'm well aware of the fact that temptations abound between Thanksgiving and New Year's, but you need not automatically assume that you'll have to spend all of January getting back to where you were before visions of sugar plums danced past your lips. In fact, if you follow the tips below, you could actually end up ahead of the game once the last gingerbread man has been knocked off.

— Drink, Then Eat: Try imbibing before eating at the next holiday party you attend, and I'm not talking soda or egg nog or alcohol. By downing an 8 ounce glass of water or a diet drink, your stomach will be partially full before you get to the food. Then make sure to continue drinking (a little punch is OK) through the evening as new temptations make their way to the buffet table.

— Protein and Veggies First: Sure, that stuffing looks great, but remember, it's basically bread soaked in fat (sorry to be a downer). Go for a helping of skinless turkey or chicken and vegetables first after that glass of water. When you go back for seconds, you're likely to take a smaller helping of the fatty bread and other diet-busting foods.

— Go Green ... Tea, That Is: Green tea is not only an antioxidant powerhouse (it may help prevent heart disease) but is great for stimulating fat-burning. Try to follow the lead of many Asian cultures by drinking three cups per day. If you can't consume three cups, you can also get it in capsule form.

— Park Far: You know how you go to the mall and search and search for a parking spot nearest the store in which you want to shop? Well, how about taking the farthest spot, instead? With all the shopping many of us will be doing this month, that adds up to a lot of calories burned from walking.

— Workout Now, Relax Later: It's almost a given that you'll miss a few workout days toward the end of the month.

— Carry That Weight: When shopping, many people automatically go for a shopping car rather than a basket. Of course, it's easier to push a cart down the aisles than to lug a basket around, which is why you should opt for the basket. Opportunities to exercise abound, even at the store!

— Just Say 'No': OK, so maybe a little abstinence is going to be required at a few of the parties. Don't fear insulting a hostess if you turn down an offer for her famous pumpkin pie, and don't be embarrassed to take the tiniest of slices. Let people know of your intentions. You'd be surprised by the admiring comments you get when people see you stick to your guns.

Remember, there's no reason you can't enjoy the many gifts the holiday season has to offer while taking care of the biggest gift you've ever been given, your body. Happy Holidays, everybody!

Joe Weider is acclaimed as "the father of modern bodybuilding" and the founder of the world's leading fitness magazines, including Shape, Muscle and Fitness, Men's Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Hers, Golf for Seniors and others published worldwide in over 20 languages. To find out more about Joe Weider, write to him and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS.COM