Curb Cravings Over the Holidays

With all the holiday parties and activities, it pays to be prepared. Manage your festivities with the following tips:

• Never leave home hunger. You will be better able to resist some of the tempting tidbits featured as holiday events. This allows you to bypass items you would normally eat if hungry.
• If a craving occurs, do something else. Go wrap a gift, help trim the tree, go for a walk. Any activity that takes you away from eating will allow the craving to pass.
• Mingle, mingle, mingle. Rather than spending all the time by the buffet table, talk with people at the party. Make your goal to re-connect with friends you haven't seen or meet new people.
• If you are bringing something to the event, provide a low-cal item. If you are struggling with holiday temptation, so are others. They will be thrilled to have an alternative.

Don't forget to load up on the healthy alternatives that may be at the event. Most parties include a vegetable platter or some type of fruit. Start with these items and some water to help keep cravings for chips, sweets, and alcohol at bay. Remember tis' the season to be jolly, not unhealthy.