Tips for Healthy Holiday Feasting

The office Holiday party. Your inlaws' Christmas Eve dinner. Your best friend's kid's Kwanzaa celebration. The New Year's Eve Bash downtown. What do all these gatherings have in common? Yes, food. Yummy-looking food everywhere, the health of which you have no control over. Never fear, there are ways to ensure you don't break your New Year's resolution before it's begun.

Here are some tips to help you eat sensibly while enjoying all the festive fare before you. CAUTION: Failure to follow at least 1 of these guidelines may result in the need for a good colon cleanser later to relieve your guilt and your gut:

• eat before you party, you'll be less tempted to gorge yourself on all the goodies
  
• bring your own healthy dish so you can pig out on something
• sit next to the health nut in the group for some more positive peer pressure
  
• don't deny yourself, just fill up on the healthier victuals first, then sample the more sinful offerings
• get smaller portions
• eat slowly
• don't talk while you eat (for more reasons than one)
  
• pop a mint between plates of food to curb your appetite for more
• if you feel awkward without something in your hand, grab a handful of dried fruit and nuts
  
• opt for water or wine instead of beer or liquor
  
• use smaller plates and taller, skinnier glasses
• when offered more food, ask if you can take it to go
• don't give excuses if asked about your eating/dieting habits, they'll only leave loopholes for Aunt Sally to give you that extra serving of pecan pie she made
  
• squeeze in an extra workout or physical activity before the event
  

Or, you could just stay home. But then you may be so depressed and bored that you are compelled to clean out your fridge -- with your mouth. Studies show Americans gain 3-5 pounds during this festive season so you better be on guard. Make a plan and stick to it. Those extra pounds will show up wielding a fork and knife and you don't want to be too unprepared to defend yourself.

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