Battle the Bulge: The Buffet May Look Great, But Don't Pack on Weight

Dec. 13, 2010 — -- Face it, it's hard to stick to a diet during the holidays. The loaded buffet tables at dinners, parties and get-togethers provide too many temptations.

One bite leads to another and before you know it, you've gained weight.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, noted cardiologist and talk show host, visited "Good Morning America" to talk about the best ways to avoid holiday weight gain.

Oz said most Americans gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. More than half will put on two pounds and 10 percent will put on five pounds or more. Most people generally don't lose the weight they gain, he said.

He pointed out that some of the meals people eat during the holidays add up to 2,000 calories or more, so someone could actually put on a pound a day without realizing it.

Oz offered the following tricks to help people avoid the holiday bulge:

Oz always recommends that people keep track of what they eat, but said it was especially important at this time of year when people may be surrounded by temptations. A bite here and a taste there will add up, so document everything -- even if it's a spoonful of pudding or a single chocolate chip. This will help you think about what you're eating.

You should also make a date with your scale twice a week. Oz said he usually recommends that people weigh in once a week, but said people need to be more diligent over the holidays. Early detection of creeping weight gain can allow you to react quickly by throwing in an extra workout or passing on that second helping at your next meal.

Those buffets and appetizer trays present a tempting trap.

Oz recommends that you snack before you arrive at the party. That way, you'll be less likely to overindulge on those tempting little calorie-laden treats. His favorite snack is a small bag of nuts and low-fat string cheese. The nuts and cheese are high in protein, so they'll keep you filled well through the end of the party.