Healthy foods are easier to find at parties these days.

During the holidays it’s a great temptations to fall off the bandwagon and try to make it up in the new year. However, with just a little bit of planning you can enjoy your holiday feasting without dismay when you step on the scale on January 1st.

  • Eat a little something about 20 minutes before you’re scheduled to arrive at the party. It takes 20 minutes for our stomach to signal our brain that we’ve eaten. This will trick your brain into thinking you’ve eaten a meal and you won’t be as hungry.
  • Don’t deny yourself those treats you love, but moderate them. Take just a few, don’t fill your plate with them, then make sure you make some healthy selections before you allow yourself to go back for more treats.
  • Weigh yourself just before you leave. That may keep you from eating too much, knowing that the scale won’t be kind the next morning.
  • If it’s a potluck, bring a healthy dish that you love, so that you can eat a large portion of that, with some of your other favorites complimenting it.
  • Drink water throughout the evening. It will keep you feeling full. Alcohol and sodas dehydrate you and makes you thirsty, meaning you’ll indulge in more. They’re both higher in calories than water, too!
  • Eat lo-cal meals during the week, so you can afford to splurge when it’s party time.
  • Continue your regular exercise regimen. Up the workout a little to help burn off any extra calories you might consume.
  • When preparing your own treats move away from refined flour and sugar. Create treats made from whole wheat, whole sugar, and dried fruits for sweetening. Try a few new recipes. Remember, though, just because the ingredients are healthier doesn’t make it a main dish. It’s still a dessert and should be consumed in moderation.
  • Don’t buy treats to keep around the house. Of course if you have children that might be hard, because they expect candy and cookies at this time of year, but if you have a choice only eat treats when visiting others.

Follow these tips and you should sail through the holidays and gain little or nothing. I’ve done it for years and have never had “holiday spread.”