Let's Fight Holiday Fat

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Dec 20, 2012) - (Family Features) The holidays can be a stressful and tempting time to derail or delay weight loss goals. For the millions of Americans who will resolve to lose weight next year, simply sticking to a healthy regimen and not gaining pounds during this time can be difficult, so a little extra help is important.

"As a busy mom of two, my life is pretty hectic so I understand the stresses and temptations the holidays can bring, especially for those trying to maintain their current weight," said TV personality Samantha Harris. "That's why I'm encouraging people to visit LetsFightHolidayFat.com -- a new, free online guide for people trying to squeeze in healthy eating and exercise this season."

The tool, created courtesy of alli^®, the only FDA-approved weight loss aid available without a prescription, is for anyone interested in overcoming the holidays and being weight-loss ready in 2013. The website will let you track your goals and prepare you for long-term success with helpful features, including:

• Follow-along fitness videos; from cross training to yoga/Pilates
• Healthy (reduced-calorie, low-fat) daily meal suggestions and recipes
• Custom calorie and activity tracking
• Community and social features and forums
• Smartphone accessibility
• Expert tips and tricks

Here are some of Samantha's favorite tips to help you get started:

• Make healthy, reduced calorie, low-fat food choices. Swap out the high fat ingredients in your favorite holiday recipe for healthier options with fewer calories.
  
  
• Snack often. Have healthy snacks at hand to keep you from reaching for holiday goodies. Apples, low-fat string cheese, and baby carrots are low fat and easy to pack. Try a small peppermint candy (fat-free!) to satisfy your sweet tooth temptation.
  
  
• Exercise, exercise, exercise. Find small ways to fit in exercise that can help maintain your weight and energy throughout the season. Going holiday shopping? Park the car in the farthest spot from the store entrance. Cooking? Work your legs with squats while waiting for the water to boil.
  
  
• Plan ahead. Eat a reduced calorie, low-fat snack at home before heading out to a holiday party to help you stay on track and avoid over-indulging in unhealthy choices.
  
  
• Keep stress levels low. Eating healthy and exercising can play a big part in keeping holiday stress at bay. Keeping stress levels low also may help prevent weight gain.

Visit LetsFightHolidayFat.com for more healthy diet, exercise and motivation to help you defeat temptation while embracing the holidays.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at www.editors.familyfeatures.com. Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.