Dont let the holidays ruin your healthy eating

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season has officially begun and it is time for gatherings, parties, and hang outs of all sorts!  What comes along with the holidays and parties is LOTS of yummy food; appetizers, meals, desserts, and drinks galore.  Although all of this is great, it is not the best for your healthy eating habits or your waistline.  Don't let the anxiety of overeating put a damper on your holiday spirit.  There are many ways to enjoy everything while keeping it under control. 

HERE IS HOW...

1. Contribute to the party- bring your own healthy dish so you know there is something you can indulge in.
2. Eat the healthiest things first- fill up on lighter fares such as vegetable appetizers and soups. By doing this, you may be too full to load up on heavy main courses.
3. Don't linger around the food- when you are chatting with guests, if you stand within arms length of foods, you are more likely to munch while you talk.
4. Eat before you go- if you have time and you know where you are going will have way too many unhealthy options, have a snack before, fill up on something healthy!
5. Manage your portion size- when filling up your plate, use a small appetizer size plate that way you wont be able to fit more than a sample of each dish. 
6. Wear tight clothes- if you are wearing a fancy new outfit that fits just right, you are not going to feel comfortable stuffing your face with food. 
7. Keep one hand busy- if you hold a drink or purse in one hand, it will be less likely that you are constantly reaching for food. 
8. Don't beat yourself up- if you do indulge a little too much... relax! It is not the end of the world, step up your exercise, be very conscious in the next few weeks, and you are good to go!

ENJOY the Holidays and spread around some cheer!