Filed under: Fitness , Food and Nutrition , Diet and Weight Loss Diet derailers are everywhere — in your house, in the grocery store, at work, at play, in your head even. Here, we’ll address the very things that throw us off course. Together, we’ll learn how to avoid our diet traps — and how to get back on track when we can’t. No one wants to drag extra luggage home from vacation — especially not the kind you wear on your hips, gut and butt. But vacations are known for indulging, letting loose and, yes, gaining weight. Even if you plan to eat smart and exercise on your travels, it can be tough to find healthy foods and good workout routines. Here’s why vacationing can sabotage a good diet and an itinerary for trimming your travels. TV Trouble TV Can Turn You Tubby People eat more when they watch TV, especially when watching shows they find really entertaining. It’s not the TV to blame. It’s the distraction. When you’re watching Leno or Letterman, you don’t realize you’re polishing off pounds of potato chips, says Dr. Alan Hirsch, the neurological director for the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Called “mindless eating” by food psychologist Brian Wansink, eating without focus is a dangerous diet derailer. Add to your bag of

chips the fact that you’re totally inactive while you watch your favorite shows and that those commercials for Oreo Cakesters are so very tempting, and there’s no doubt you’ve got to refine your TV-watching habits. (A3R) angelrravelor (A3R) on flickr Ban the Binge TV is more popular than ever in America. The Nielsen Company says we watch about 151 hours a month. That translates into a whole lot of snacking, which isn’t all bad — if the snacks are wholesome and healthy and come in weight-friendly portions. Snuggle up with a bowl of fruit, and put TV snacks in small bowls, says AOL Health UK. And forget tempting commercials. Mute those things, and use the break to crank out some crunches. Position your treadmill in front of the TV, busy your hands with ironing or dusting while you watch. Or you could use the TV to help you lose a few. cyclone bill on flickr Watch Yourself Lose Yes, TV can make you fat. Use it for good, though, and it can fight the fat. Turn off Leno and Letterman and turn on the Skinny Bitches . Liz Neporent names 10 DVDs you should be buying. And if you’re bored by fitness DVDs, these are sure to inspire you. www.warnervideo.comHealth | Health | Health

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Vacations – Banish the Extra Baggage