Now that Halloween is past, we have entered my FAVORITE time of the year--the holiday season!

Unfortunately, with all the holidays--Halloween. . .Thanksgiving. . Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa. . .New Year's--there is also plenty of candy, sweets and food, which CAN mean extra pounds if you aren't careful. In fact, people often gain more weight during "the holidays" than they do the rest of the year.

So, what can you do to make sure you enjoy the season, but don't look like Santa when you're done? Here are some ideas:

1. Be physically active. ANY kind of movement counts, even walking the dog, sweeping, and taking out the trash. Of course, more intense activity will help burn off that extra piece of candy, but as long as you move, you can't go wrong!

2. Enjoy the sweets, but take it easy. Don't make an entire meal of M&Ms or Snickers. Have one (or two) a day and continue to eat healthy (more on that in another blog!).

3. Drink lots of water. It's cheap, has no calories, and fills you up so you won't be tempted to snack.

Over the next few weeks, until the New Year, I'll be sharing some other ideas on how to get or keep your body fit and trim. Stay tuned!

Here's a question. See if you know the answer: What year did people begin to celebrate Kwanzaa? Post your answer!