The Holiday Diet: Can You Have Your Cake & Eat It Too?

Even though you've worked so hard to get (and keep) your summer body, the holidays are in full swing and threatening your recent success. Food is everywhere; temptation lurks.

But, eating and drinking too much throughout the holiday season can be extremely rough on your body.

Did you know that 75% of Americans' weight gain takes place during the holiday season? In fact, the average American gains between 0.5 and 1.75 pounds during this time of year.

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey follow-up study found that among adults 25 to 44 years old, the body weight measured at 10-year intervals increased by an average of 3.4 percent in men and 5.2 percent in women.

Wow.

So, how can you enjoy the holidays while still staying healthy?

If you're concerned with what will be served at a holiday party -- especially if you have diabetes -- or if you're just watching your weight, it's not a bad idea to contact the host of the party. If you feel like you'll want to dive in the dessert, appetizers and drinks, you may want to consider bringing your own healthy snacks. And, it's also important to stay active. Not only will it keep your weight consistent, it also helps reduce your stress... something that can be a real issue this time of year.

What are some other tips you can follow to stay healthy during the holiday season?

Dr. Catherine Marco discusses how you can enjoy the holidays and still ward off the dreaded holiday weight.