5 Diet Plans You Can Stick with Over the Holidays

Even though this year's New Year's resolution is drawing to a close, all your hard work from the rest of the year could disappear after too much indulgence at the holiday buffet table. Instead of waiting until January 1 to renew your weight loss commitment, why not get a head start and pick a diet plan that can take you through the holidays instead? With less stress about what to eat or how to burn it off, you may even lose a few pounds before the New Year begins! Here are five diet plans that are designed with enough variety and choices that can help you get through the holidays with ease-and even shed a few pounds in the process:

1. South Beach Diet. It's the plan that's been touted as one of the best for weight loss, and is especially appealing to those who don't want to joint he Atkins craze and count every carbohydrate. The South Beach Diet allows you to enjoy a variety of foods-including carbs-just in different proportions. You'll find plenty of holiday-frinedly meal ideas with the South Beach Diet recipe collection including Grilled Salmon with Rosemary, Sirloin Tips wtith Mushrooms, and a festive Berry Vanilla Parfait in the dessert department!

2. Glycemic Impact Diet. This is an ideal match if sweets and chocolate are the root of your what-to-eat dilemma over the holidays. The meal plans allow for meals and snacks throughout the day with a 40-30-30 ratio of nutrients. It's an easy diet to stick with when you know how to eat the right sources of protein (it's how you'll keep your blood sugar stable), and allows you to enjoy your fair share of carved meat during holiday season.

3. Mediterranean Diet. If you enjoy wine and seafood during your gourmet dining ventures, the Mediterranean Diet plan is just what you need to stay healthy. This one allows you to enjoy a glass of red wine most days of the week, and is rich with healthy oils, fish, and whole grains. This is an easy plan to stick with if you don't enjoy red meat, and holiday treats of gourmet cheese and fruit are allowed.

4. Bill Phillips' Eating for Life Plan. This plan allows you to eat up to six times per day to shift your metabolism into high gear, and you can enjoy a variety of protein choices, including red meat. This is the plan to take part in the holiday buffet with very little guilt; as long as you know which proteins and carbs to choose from, you'll be well on your way to weight loss success. Plan on a few intensive weight workouts each week for strength building and toning up with this one.

5. Blood Type Diet. This is based on the book Eat Right 4 Your Type by Peter D'Adamo, and offers a sensible weight loss solution if you want a plan with lots of variety. Both seafood and white meat are allowed on the plan, but you do need to be vigilant about food groups that are best for your blood type. Some required reading is necessary before jumping in, but it's a workable plan with recipes and food combinations that can be adapted to holiday fare when needed.

Holiday season is the prime season for entertaining, dining out, and enjoying decadent meals with friends and family. It's also the season of rapid weight gain and can be particularly challenging for anyone who's on a diet. Take charge of your health before New Year's rolls around and adopt a diet that you can stick with through the festivities!



By Sabah Karimi