Who among us has not over-indulged in the holiday goodies?  Heck, they are everywhere we look, just calling out to us!  From grocery stores, to desk tops to platters given by friends, you just cannot escape all the calories.  Sweet potatoes, cookies, pies and even grandma’s green bean casserole (healthy… nope), they are all torture to pass up during the holidays.

Tempting little holiday goodies and yummy holiday meals can add up to serious problems for your waste-line.  It takes consuming 3500 extra calories to add up to a weight gain of 1 pound.  The average person gains 2 pounds from Thanksgiving thru New Year’s.  Most people do not lose the weight that they put on during the holidays.  This weight gain will translate into 20 pounds over a 10 year period.  This additional poundage can cause serious long term health problems.

Here are some tips to help keep those calories away when you are going to a party:

Position yourself away from the buffet table so that you are not tempted to nibble while you mingle.

Have a healthy snack before you arrive at the party.

Minimize the amount of alcohol that you consume.  Not only does it have useless calories, it will dehydrate you and you will drink even more.

Use a small plate or a cocktail napkin to hold your food. 

Don’t forget the fruits and vegetables.  They are filling and have the least amount of calories.

With a little planning, you too can avoid gaining those unwanted calories!