Have tons of fun but keep the weight off!

MY SISTER-IN-LAW Franny Mahfood is the best nutritionist I know. When she lectures at Shakti's 'Fit and Fabulous in 40 Days' boot camps, she is not only funny and engaging but she knows her stuff.

Our last group of boot campers had fantastic results. Everyone lost weight and inches and dropped body fat. Now, the challenge begins to keep it off during the festive season. This group of ladies were a super-fun bunch who love to party and have a good time, so I asked Franny if she could share her tips with them on how to have a ton of fun over Christmas but still keep the weight off!

Franny's top 10 tips

1. When you go to a party, just don't sit there and eat, get up and dance. You can burn up to 300 calories an hour dancing!

2. Don't ever go to a party hungry! Eat something healthy before you go. Those delicious ortanique oranges around now only contain 60 calories and are full of vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Have one before you go.

3. Portion control is the key. Remember your plate must be colourful, half vegetables, quarter protein and quarter starch.

4. Don't forget that eggnog is made with egg yolk and thick cream. One glass of eggnog has 350 calories and loads of cholesterol; forget it this Christmas and have a glass of delicious, super antioxidant sorrel instead for only 125 calories.

5. Use your palm instead of a cup to measure those nuts (or carry a measuring cup with you, like Franny). Imagine one cup of nuts equals about 800 calories.

6. Dilute all your drinks with soda water or tonic water (water them down). Few calories, fewer hangovers. We call that a win-win situation.

7. The weather is perfect now for that early morning brisk walk, so put on your sneakers, grab a friend and go. Just 30 minutes can make a huge difference, burning 150-300 calories and boosting your energy.

8. Wear something sexy and red! (I love this one!) It's not all about food; it's about feeling good about yourself and sharing time with family and friends. Wearing red not only makes you feel sexy, it stimulates the body and mind to increase circulation. Dust off the red dress today.

9. Your gym is there for your mind, body and all your fitness needs. This is not the time to drop your exercise regime.

10. Moderation is key. Enjoy yourself and don't sweat the small stuff. Make this a fun, healthy Christmas. After all, it is the season of love.

Sharon McConnell-Feanny is a certified yoga instructor and co-owner of Shakti Mind Body Fitness in Kingston. She has more than 25 years experience in health and fitness; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.