This holiday season you will surely be inundated with endless buffets, huge tables filled with food, massive punch bowls, and an endless supply of unhealthy snacks that have the potential to put a dent in your weight loss goals. Though there will be temptation, there is no need to tip the scales this holiday season. Here are some tips for enjoying the parties and keeping your waistline intact.

Plan ahead. I'm sure you already have a bunch of holiday parties and gatherings marked down on the calendar. Use that advanced notice to your advantage. In the days and weeks prior to your engagements be extra aware of what and how your eating. Make extra healthier choices leading up to your parties. Be mindful of your portions and quality of food you are eating. This will give you some extra wiggle room once the party season kicks into full gear. However, do not starve yourself. This is counterproductive and will do much more harm than good.

Always eat lightly before you go to a party. Ideally a light snack combining a lean protein and positive carbohydrate. Never go to these gatherings on an empty stomach. Even the strongest of wills is no match for empty stomach hunger. These holiday parties with all types of unhealthy food is that last place you want to lose your will and go for a mad dash towards the buffet table.

Avoid temptation. Do not stay glued to the appetizer tray all night. Parties are about socializing and having fun. Go out and do it. The food is there and will be there. No need to hover around out.

Dress for success. For the ladies wear a tight fighting skirt. For the men move the belt notches in a bit. I admit this tip may sound a bit odd but my friend says this is the best thing you can do for keeping the weight off at parties. She claims that a tight fit makes the possibility of overeating near impossible and very uncomfortable.

The holidays are for family, fun, and socializing. It is important to remember this. All to often we are drawn to the delicious treats that are prepared to remember the real purpose of these times: to get together will friends and loved ones and enjoy ourselves. Keep this in mind throughout your holiday gatherings and over indulging should not be an issue.

Get picky. I know this sounds hard. Especially with massive array of food that becomes available during the holiday season. Before you pick any food to eat stop for a moment and reflect upon what holiday foods you like the most and which ones you have been anticipating the whole year. There are only a set amount of calories that you have allotted to for each meal so pick the special foods, the foods that aren't readily available throughout the year. Picky eating is smart eating.

That's it! Follow these tips and managing the waistline this holiday season should be no problem.

To a thinner you

Joseph Pickering