Getting last minute gifts? Why not take advantage of the flurry of activity by making your spree and calorie-burning blitz? Here are some ideas:

At the mall, walk the escalator instead of riding it.

Walk each purchase to your car.

Wrap gifts while standing to burn twice as many calories.

Arrive early to walk before shopping and use the walk to window shop and note where you want to go once the stores open.

Dress comfortably -- loose clothing and cushioned walking shoes -- so when the mood to burn some calories strikes, you're good to go.

When you're considering a holiday food splurge, sometimes in helps to put things in perspective to think of exactly what you would need to do to burn that particular food off.

For a 150-pound woman to burn off these calories, she'd need to do the following:

Apple pie, 1 slice = Shovel snow one hour

Blueberry pie, 1 slice = Stack firewood one hour

Hot chocolate, 1 c. = Ice skate half an hour

Ice cream = Wrap presents one hour and 15 minutes

Shortbread cookies, 2 = Set up Christmas tree and decorate it one hour

Sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar = Walk at 3 mph for one hour

"Just a little piece," my Mom says, as hot apple pie wafts under my nose, "You can't live on salads forever." I am feeling tempted.

"You don't want any of my Black Forest cake?" my aunt asks, looking dejected. "You've always loved my cake. Come on, it's a special occasion." I start to think she may have a point.

Sound familiar? 'Tis the season for food pushers! Here's how to cope.

I was thrilled this week to learn this diet-friendly (and alcohol-free) egg nog recipe that comes in at under 150 calories!

And possibly even more thrilling? A kitchen newbie like me "cooking" something that required only pushing a button on the blender ... and yet it somehow impressed my holiday guests! Cheers!

Egg substitute, 1 ½ c.
1% milk, 1 c.
Fat-free half and half, 1 c.
Sugar, ½ c.
Vanilla, 2 tsp.
Ground nutmeg, 1 ½ tsp

Combine all ingredients. Blend in blender until smooth.

Calories per serving: 127