Slim Down St. Patty's Day

The Irish and non-Irish alike look forward to this one day a year when the beer turns green, slow cookers are filled with corned beef and kissing is a national pastime. But just because St. Patrick's Day has the potential to be calorie-packed, you don't have to let it ruin your plans for weight loss.

Here are 10 fun tips for getting through the day without over-the-rainbow POINTS® values.

Everyone loves a parade.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines, get involved. Either join a group that's walking or march to your own beat.

Seeing Green
Ironically, green is bad luck in Ireland, so start your own tradition. Every time someone around you mentions green, tack on an additional push-up or an extra minute of cardio to the next day's workout.

Corned Beef Done Right
Try this low POINTS value Corned Beef and Cabbage Strudel, made with a phyllo dough crust.

Find the true green.
Taking a hike in the spring weather can be an excellent way to see some natural greens. Pack a lunch and hit the trails.

Pass the green tea, please.
Besides all of the added health benefits that green tea can provide, drinking this green beverage puts you in your own holiday spirit—a relaxed one.

Eat your greens.
Celebrate by eating all the verdant veggies you can get your hands on: spinach, broccoli, green beans, lettuce.

Plan a picnic.
Weather permitting, get outside and into the grass to hunt forfour-leaf clovers.

Throw a party!
Invite friends to your place and require that each bring a healthy dish. With you in control of the food and the drink, it won't take any luck to get you through the holiday.

Get creative with food coloring.
Use green food-coloring to make healthy and festive snacks for you or your kids. Low POINTS value green milkshakes, anyone?

Make yourself a personal pot of gold.
Write your accomplishments on slips of paper and keep them together in a little black pot. One day, that pot of success will make you feel rich.