What does this number represent?

350

Answer: It's the approximate number of calories contained in a single glass of eggnog. Here are some other holiday food figures for you:

3, the number of pounds you can expect to gain simply by eating an extra 200 calories a day between now and New Year's

125, the number of calories floating in a 5-oz glass of mulled red wine

503, the number of calories baked into a slice of pecan pie

114, the number of calories in a wedge of camembert cheese

227, the number of delicious calories in a brownie

For the next four weeks, we'll all be faced with dangerous food temptations. And while it's easy to shrug off the prospect of gaining a few pounds over the holidays, the fact is that most of us will not be that successful losing the extra weight, despite our New Year's Resolutions.

So here are half a dozen suggestions from Harvard Health Publications on how to make it through the holidays without packing on the pounds.

1. Choose your calories carefully. At a party, don't blow your calorie budget on just anything. Browse the buffet or food table carefully and select only your favorites.
2. Take 10 between helpings. There's a bit of a communication gap between our bodies and our brains, and it can take several minutes before the stomach notifies the brain that it's full. Before going for a second helping, have a chat with someone or drink some water. Give yourself a 10-minute break. It could be that you're full and just don't know it yet.
3. Step away from the table. At a party, try to maintain some distance between yourself and the food table, where it's too easy to eat mindlessly while you socialize.
4. Eat first. Before going out-whether to a party or even just to the mall-have a slice of apple with a bit of peanut butter, or some other combination of complex carbohydrate and protein. This will help you resist any tempting treats.
5. Mind the drinks. There are a lot of calories in a glass of wine, beer or hot buttered rum-ranging from 125 to 300. If you drink alcohol, have a glass of water between drinks.
6. Keep moving. Try to enjoy a bit of exercise, such as dancing or walking, to work off the holiday calories.

(Sources: Harvard Health Publications, MayoClinic.com and USDA.)

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