The holidays are upon us, which means cookies around every corner. While reduced-fat butter and applesauce can help lighten quick breads, cakes and muffins, they don't work well in cookies. Your best bet: Keep mix-ins and decorations to a minimum and portion size in check. After all, isn't it better to have just one or two Santa-worthy cookies than none at all?

Try circuit training to save time and condense your workout during this busy time of year. Circuit training combines weights and cardio instead of keeping them separate. It's simple: Lift lighter weights at a faster pace and add more repetitions per set. Take shorter breaks between sets to keep your heart rate up.

Wondering how to make a light gravy for your holiday dinner? The secret is skimming fat from the cooking juices of your turkey or roast. Pour drippings into a fat separator so you can use just the flavorful juice, and only a tablespoon or two of fat for extra flavor and richness. Stir in broth and your favorite herbs, then thicken with a flour and water mixture.

Does jogging or even walking give you joint or back pain? Then consider water aerobics. It's a great exercise for all levels of fitness because you can make the movements as intense as you choose.