Did you know that three cups of green tea daily can reduce body weight and waist circumference by 5% in three months? I’ve been drinking a cup every morning for about a week, and you know, there might be something to this. I’ve noticed only a slight drop on the scale, but what is radically different is that I have to run to the restroom more. Green tea seems to have a diuretic quality. I feel like it’s flushing out all that holiday fat -- from last year! This Christmas, when everyone’s drinking egg nog and Jack Daniels, I’ll be sipping on some green tea. That way, I can have a few extra pieces of fudge and not feel so badly about it.

    For those of you who might be concerned about packing on the pounds this holiday, here are 10 diet tips from Cynthia Graff, president of Lindora Medical Clinics, the medically supervised diet plan:

    · MONITOR YOUR EMOTIONS -- People eat to quell their emotions. When feeling vulnerable, take a walk, call a friend or go shopping instead of heading to the refrigerator.

    · ALWAYS AVOID SODAS & ICE CREAM -- Metabolically, they add calories while burning carbohydrates.

    · KEEP BOTTLED WATER WITH YOU -- Water helps to reduce your appetite and gives your skin a more youthful appearance.

    · GETA GOOD NIGHT 'S SLEEP -- When you don't sleep well, you tend to eat more. Try to sleep 7 to 9 hours each night.

    · ENGAGE IN MODERATE EXERCISE -- Maintaining an exercise routine can be as simple as briskly walking around your neighborhood for 20 minutes a day or riding your bike at a nearby park for the same amount of time.

    · MAINTAIN A MODERATE AMOUNT OF SALT IN YOUR DIET -- Perspiring eliminates the salt in your body, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness and headaches.

    · AVOID HIDDEN CALORIES -- Stay away from liquid calories hidden in coffee drinks (e.g., mochas, blended ice coffees, etc.), fruit smoothies, fruit juices and milk shakes. For a special treat, try an 8-ounce non-fat cappuccino with a shot of sugar-free vanilla flavoring.

    · REDUCE ALCOHOL -- Avoid alcoholic beverages as they contain lots of calories and carbohydrates that do little more than pad one's waistline.

    · STAY AWAY FROM FAT-LADEN SAUCES -- Avoid using more than a dab of butter, margarine or oil when cooking. Also, order salad dressings on the side.

    · INCONVENIENCE YOURSELF – Don't hire a maid; clean your own house. Ride your bike to run errands instead of driving. If you must drive, though, park far from your destination and enjoy a brisk walk to reach it. When shopping, carry your groceries or merchandise instead of pushing them in a cart. Also, use the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator. Instead of making one weekly or bi-weekly shopping trip, shop daily for what you plan to eat that day. You'll burn more calories walking the store and your food will be fresher!