So you overindulged during the holiday weekend and put on a little more weight than you’d planned? Before you chalk up this holiday season as a loss and continue unhealthy eating habits over the next several weeks, take a few tips from individuals who’ve successfully lost weight.

A survey conducted for the Calorie Control Council revealed that successful dieters shared many of the same characteristics. It discovered they are more likely to:

• Combine calorie reduction with exercise — the method most recommended by health professionals.

• Check the nutrition label for calorie content on foods and beverages they buy.

• Count calories.

• Have made fewer dieting attempts during the past year, sticking to their diets longer. And,

• Agree strongly that exercise is a major factor in weight control.

“The surveys confirm that successful dieting means adopting sensible behaviors,” said Lyn O’Brien Nabors, executive vice president of the Calorie Control Council. “There is a striking resemblance to the behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle outside the dieting realm.”

The surveys also found dieters who use low-calorie or reduced-fat foods and beverages are more likely to have lost weight on their diets than those who don’t use these products. Nine out of 10 adult Americans consume light foods and beverages, regardless of whether they are dieting, the organization said.

The Calorie Control Council can be found on the Web at www.caloriecontrol.org.

Copyright 1999 Health Resources Publishing