Holiday parties are on the horizon so before you head out to your next seasonal gathering (or anytime food might be a temptation), formulate a plan!

Don't sit at the dinner table after the meal is over if there is still food on the table. Inevitably you will snack on the food at the table even if you aren't hungry. I sat at the table long after the Thanksgiving meal last year and ate a dessert I didn't even like because I stared at it for 2 hours and convinced  myself it would taste good-it didn't. I ate it anyway and consumed more calories than  I indented.

Think about the foods that may be available at the   dinner or party. If they are foods you have a hard time saying no to, plan ahead how you will face the       temptation when (not if) it happens. Convince yourself you will not give into that pumpkin pie. When you see it, drink some water, walk away and engage yourself in some other activity such as talking to a friend or     playing a game- just move away from the temptation. If you HAVE to have it, have a bite of it to satisfy yourself and throw the rest away.

Fill your plate (and your tummy) with fresh fruits and vegetables. Fill up on good for you food first and leave a little room for the not so healthy foods. I'm not    saying don't eat the not so healthy foods, just think "moderation!"

The reality is that most of us will indulge in at least one or two not so good for us foods. If you do indulge,  indulge on foods that are not commonplace to you. Don't fill up on potato chips and cookies you can have anytime of the year. Make your choices count. Have a taste of Aunt Martha's custard pie that you love and only get once a year. And don't eat the whole pie! Have enough to satisfy and then throw it away or share a  small piece with someone else!

November Wellness Issue