Christmas is round the corner, but the truth is the parties have already begun. This is a notorious time for expanding  waistline, feeling bloated, stuffed, tired and worst of all guilty.

I think Holidays like any other time of the year is about eating smart.

A little forethought and mindfulness goes a long way in ensuring that you are able to eat in a healthy manner, despite all the temptations.

Here are some tips to help you with the same…..so lean in and take notes.

1. Eat breakfast and a protein-packed lunch before the big feast.

If you starve yourself during the day, you could wind up SO hungry that by the time you sit down at the dinner table you eat WAY too much food.

2. Go for lean, white meat turkey to get the most bang for your calorie-buck.

Dark meat has about 15% more calories and 30-40% more fat than light meat. Take off the skin since that is where most of the fat is.

3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

It’ll keep you hydrated and clear minded so you will be less likely to make bad food choices

4. Treat yourself to small portions of the seasonal side dishes and desserts.

Going cold turkey generally does not help. If you deprive yourself, you could end up raiding the fridge in the middle of the night and going overboard! So enjoy a small portion of a treat- without binging on everything sweet in front of you.

5. Start with a lot of salad and/or some soup.

If you fill up on healthy salad you will not have as much room for the starchy, fatty but oh so tasty side dishes. Then fill your plate with healthy sides and lots of lean meat. Chances are you will be satisfied by the time dessert is served.

6. Ask if you can make a side dish; make it a tasty guilt free dish so you will have at least one thing to splurge on.

There are plenty of recipes on-line and lots of healthy cook books that specialize in low fat holiday dishes. You can get a copy of some of delicious yet healthy Holiday recipes by clicking here.

7. Burn calories!

The more calories you burn with activity, the more food you can consume without feeling terrible about it. Do not skip the exercise leading up to the feast or on the day of. Make time to get to the gym and raise your heart rate. Your metabolism will thank you for it.

8. Wear form fitting clothing and you will be less likely to overeat.

No sweat pants or stretchy pants. No one wants to see you with your pants unbuttoned after the meal.

9. Use a salad plate instead of a regular dinner plate.

If your plate is smaller you will not have as much room on it and won’t overload it with too much of the stuff you shouldn’t have a lot of. Also, this helps trick your eye; no one likes to see half their plate empty.

10. Keep your goal in mind!

Although you may want to overindulge a couple times over the holidays; a little plus a little plus a little adds up to a whole lot. Remind yourself why you are choosing to lose weight and keep that goal in the forefront of your mind.

Happy Holidays!

000