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Our bodies are our own personal transportation devices. Of course these magnificent vehicles need fuel much like automobiles need gasoline. For our bodies, the fuel comes from calories in food. A calorie is a unit of energy. When we eat, we consume calories that provide our bodies with energy to do everything, from thinking to running. The more we move, the more calories our body will burn.

Unfortunately one stark difference between our bodies and automobiles is if we intake too much fuel (calories) our bodies will store it as fat. Automobile gas tanks would just simply spill over. So it is imperative that we only intake what we need on a daily basis for the amount of calories we are going to burn. This is called energy balance. Energy in should equal energy burned.

Sometimes during the holiday season many of us tend to forget this simple equation. We purge the buffet style dinners and eat an assortment of desserts. All the while sitting and relaxing with family and friends in the comfort of a familiar home. We somehow lose the idea of keeping calories in equal to calories out.

For most people this time of year is also very busy and stressful. Many of us find little time to make it to the gym for a solid workout. This limitation of physical activity is another reason our equation is off balance. We simply don't burn as much calories as we usually do during the rest of the year.

The Solution

The solution to this problem can be quite simple. Eat less, burn more! Sounds easy, but I know that it can be difficult at times. Over the next few weeks try to take an additional 2,000 steps every day. In addition, try to eat 100 fewer calories.

To gain an extra 2,000 steps, try doing several of the following:

• Use my online training program
• At home make several trips up and down the stairs to do household chores
• Pace around your house while talking on the phone
• Avoid elevators and escalators; take the stairs whenever possible
• Walk to co-workers desks instead of sending an email or phone call
• Park in the furthest spot from the entrance of the store or mall and walk
• Go shopping at the mall and walk the entire mall several times

To eat 100 fewer calories try:

• Drink skim milk instead of whole or 2%
• Eat fresh fruit in place of a sugar-packed desert
• Drink water over juice or sodas
• Substitute steamed vegetables instead of potatoes, rice or pasta
• SKIP super-size portions!

Make a real effort this holiday season by keeping your body in energy balance. Remember, calories in must equal calories burned to maintain your current weight. Think of some simple ways to increase your activity even during those busy, high-stress days. In addition lose some calories here or there. By staying focused on the simple equation of energy balance you'll be in a better position to maintain your weight this holiday season.