That first major family holiday is upon us. For many of us, that means food, football, and hours of conversation and television. Yet this enjoyable time, and the others soon to follow, need not be marked with mixed feelings concerning festivity and fitness. One can visit with family and friends, and still maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Use those frequent visits to the local mall, to take an extra lap, or walk more briskly in pursuit of those loved ones’ gifts. When safe and possible, use the stairs to and from the parking garage.

Have less time for full workouts due to family and airport obligations? Augment your workouts by supersetting, applying heavier weights and less reps to maximize your benefits.

Drink more water. Drier fall and winter air saps moisture from our skin and scalp. Water helps us metabolize food, filters the system, and suppresses runaway appetites.

Snacking for the season? This is the time of nibbling at the office, other parties, stores and home. Keep healthy options such as grapes, apples, nuts, and turkey sandwiches handy.

Diet don’ts: Resist the temptation to gorge now, and adopt a restrictive diet as a New Year’s Resolution. Diets that limit your intake of beneficial foods or proteins can rob your body of essential nutrients. Eat sensibly from now, throughout the holidays.

Don’t watch and eat. When we snack in front of the tv, we lose track of how much we consume. Eat either before or after the big game or holiday movie, when you are more apt to focus on what and how much you are having, and enjoy the entertainment for its own sake.

Feel full: Eat foods such as soups, fruits, veggies, hot cereal, and leaner meats, which are high in water content and low in fat. These foods will make you feel more full, and they take longer to chew, which can cut down on hunger.

Wasn’t that easy and painless? By eating the foods we love, but being more aware of our social habits, food types, and adjustment to our fitness routine, we can have fitness and fun during the holidays.

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Bijan C. Bayne, WorkoutHealthy