by Laura Reynolds

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 06, 2008

It's getting to be that time of year again. The time between Halloween and New Years is filled with food, fun, and parties. And each season, we are racked with guilt from overeating, stand in long lines to buy bigger jeans, and promise ourselves to do better next year.

Let's conquer these feelings of guilt before they even get started, shall we? Below are a few tactics to survive this season without increasing your pant size AND still enjoy the good times.

Plan ahead. This is such a valuable tool in your quest for healthy eating and living. If you know you are going to a party, plan on eating a light snack or meal beforehand. This will not only keep you from going overboard at the party , but will also allow you to enjoy the guests without worrying if there is any spinach from the dip in your teeth.

Be Wary of Alcohol. So, your mother-in-law drives you crazy, and your best option is to keep the wine flowing for you to be able to tolerate yet another dig at your cooking. This is totally understandable. However, a better option is to drink your first glass slowly. Then drink a glass of water. Alternate your alcohol with water to avoid overindulging and saying something you shouldn't, much to the amusement of the rest of your family but not to you the next day.

Be Picky. Will you eat a slice of Aunt Linda's rum cake just because it's there? Do you even like rum cake? What about coconut pie? Do you even like it that much? If you want to indulge, make sure it's something you really enjoy. If you decide to go for the sugar cookie you love, it will make it that much sweeter knowing you didn't scarf down that pie beforehand.

Try to be Good. Do your best to be diligent on days other than party days. Eat your salads for lunch. Skip dessert. Don't eat a vat of refried beans because "It's the holidays." Use common sense. If you know you want to fit into that stunning red dress for your company's annual holiday party, don't overdo it on the lunches and snacks before you even get to the party. There will be picturesthere always is.

Concentrate on the Activity. If you are at a party, talk to your friends, make new friends, and introduce others. Socializing keeps eating to a minimum (who wants to talk with a mouth full of food?), and it keeps your mind off that cheese dip.

Speaking of Activity.Walk! Holidays not only mean food. Walk the mall once before you stop to buy anything. Go outside for a brisk walk around the block to enjoy the cooler air. Go ahead and park in the last parking place. Odds are you'll feel better at the end of the day knowing you walked that much, even when you didn't have to.

Don't Beat Yourself Up. It IS the holidays, and you should be able to indulge. Know that each year there is a January 1, where you can rectify all the damage and start over for swimsuit season. It is nice to know that as of that date, you'll only have a little bit of damage control than a lot.

Try to enjoy yourself in the next few months, and don't let the calories get you down. Follow the steps given, and you will save yourself a lot of pain in the future.

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