With Christmas and New Years almost here, it's time to discuss your party strategy. Everyone knows that holiday parties can be a calorie bomb waiting to explode. How can you enjoy yourself without over indulging? It all depends on your party strategy. In this week's blog, we'll discuss different steps you can take to avoid putting on extra pounds this month.

It doesn't matter what type of party you're attending, because this step always works. Before heading off to a party, it always helps to enjoy a healthy meal. Eating before going to the party can curb your appetite, making it easier to enjoy the party. You'll still be able to have a taste of this and that without wanting to eat everything in sight. Some of the best foods to eat before going to a party include high-fiber foods. These foods will stick with you while you walk by the calorie-laden buffet.

Obviously, it isn't always possible to eat before going to a party. When this happens, make your choices carefully. For example, try filling up on vegetables. Just make sure to avoid high-calorie dips. It also helps to keep water handy and sip on it throughout the night. The water will help fill you up so that you don't overeat.

Don't forget to also watch your intake of alcoholic drinks. If at all possible, it's best to avoid the martini glass and opt for water or a diet soda. If you must have a drink, make sure to only have one. Alcoholic drinks can be loaded with calories.

This healthy lifestyle change doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite party foods. What this change means is that you need to take measures so that you eat your favorite party foods in moderation. It doesn't hurt to have small portions of your favorite foods. What hurts is when you go overboard.

Last, but not least, remember that if you do go overboard at one party, it's okay. Just remember to get back on track and work hard to do better at the next party.

Merry Christmas!

This week's blog entry isn't meant to criticize the nutritional value of meat. In fact, I feel that lean proteins are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Instead, this week's entry is meant to inspire you to find new ways to increase your vegetable and fiber intake. In this week's blog, we'll discuss the importance of meatless meals and what they can do for your body and wallet.

Meatless meals allow you to pack high levels of nutrition into one meal. Instead of preparing a meal where the vegetables and whole grains play supporting roles, you can prepare a meal where they get the lead role. Just imagine how healthy the meal could be. You could prepare a vegetable stir fry served over a bed of whole wheat pasta or brown rice. You could even have a Southern meal of green beans with new potatoes and cornbread. Of course, you can't forget salads and soups. Meatless meals can be loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. All you need to do is choose healthy ingredients.

Now, we must not forget another important factor. Meatless meals can be more affordable. If there's anything we need right now, it's more affordable meals. With the cost of groceries continuously on the rise, meatless meals can help you afford healthier ingredients. By eating one or two meatless meals a week, you'll have more money to spend on lean protein. This ensures that you're able to choose healthier cuts of meat, rather than settling for what's on sale.

If you're a meat lover like I am, you may be intimidated by meat-free meals. You don't have to be though. There are hundreds of meatless meals that satisfy your cravings for meat. For example, bean burritos and Portobello burgers are very satisfying. By no means am I asking you to eat tofu. I'm just asking you to consider recipes that are meat-free.

In previous weeks, we've discussed the importance of exercise. It's time to take the discussion one step further. This week we'll tackle the number one reason why people don't exercise. Or should that be the number one excuse people use for not exercising? What could that be? Might it be that people claim they're too busy to exercise? That's exactly it. In fact, I've used that excuse several times myself. But, as you'll see from this week's entry, no one is too busy for exercise.

A few weeks ago, we spoke about how exercise didn't have to be running or jumping jacks. We also discussed how exercise can be broken down into smaller timeframes. But what you may be surprised to learn is that exercising can take place throughout your day. While completing everyday activities, you can get the exercise you need. This is what I love about exercise.

Over the years, I've learned several ways to incorporate exercise into my busy day. The following are just a few of the many, many ways you too can incorporate exercise into your life.

• Park far away from your destination
• Walk whenever possible
• Take the stairs
• Walk up escalators
• Skip the car wash and do it yourself
• Visit a farm that lets you pick your own produce
• Go shopping at the mall, rather than online

I told you that you had time for exercise. You just need to think about what happens throughout your day and how you can turn those activities into exercise. For example, search the web for exercises that can be done at your desk. While you're speaking with clients, you can be toning your arms and burning calories.

Exercise is possible. Best of all, when you follow these tips, you'll never even know you're exercising. Did I mention this is a great way to spend more time with your family? Walk your kids to school, take your kids shopping or incorporate calorie burning activities into family night.

Plain and simple, exercise doesn't have to involve a gym bag. You can exercise anywhere and at anytime.