How to enjoy a party without gaining a pound.

Party time! It has already started. The HOLIDAYS. Here come the holiday parties, cookie baskets, holiday chocolates, bowls of nuts, egg nogg...the list goes on and on and on. It is easy to gain weight during this time. In fact it is hard NOT to gain weight! Here is a small list of things that I like to do to hide from the weight gain.

When at a party:

• Eat soup before going to the party. It will fill you up a little and you will not walk in starving, ready to dive in head first to the appetizer table.

• Eat the fresh things on the table, and fill your plate with them. You will not feel as deprived.

• Ask yourself "is it worth it?". Meaning, is it worth the calories to eat? Will I enjoy it without guilt?

• If you answered yes to the question above. Eat it, and enjoy!

• Eat slowly, and enjoy your food. You will fill up, and know when you are full this way.

• Don't stand next to the appetizer table. It is too tempting, walk away-slowly.

• If you drink alcohol, drink wine. Sweet drinks contain loads of sugar and therefore, calories. One margarita is  approximately 306 calories (on the rocks) One glass of wine is 120 calories. One glass is considered 5 oz----that is like the little kid, single yogurt containers that you see in the store.

• Drink a glass of water in-between each glass, you will be holding something which will feel like you are drinking, you will be hydrated, and consume less calories.

• Dance. You will burn calories, have fun, and stay away from the food. Okay, yes, you may be the only one dancing, but you will have cheer! Just for the record. . . No. You will not see me dancing because I am a terrible dancer.

• Stay away from the nut bowls. Nuts are easy to over-do (one cup of almonds is 1000 calories. Ouch!).

• Wear clothes that you feel good in. It is easier to stay on plan when you feel good about yourself.

• Don't close the party down. The longer you are there, they longer you eat and drink :)

• Find a friend who is willing to be your go-to person for support. Call them before the party to check in about what you plan to do while at the party.

• Last but not least, HAVE FUN!