‘Tis the season for social eating! All that food and fun can sabotage your best intentions. Want to enjoy the holidays but still stay on track? The good news is you can, and all it takes is a little preplanning.

In fact, planning ahead is probably the most important strategy you can use to successfully deal with any social eating activity.

Here are some easy-to-do suggestions for making the holidays a cinch to get through.

1. Set a Realistic Goal

Trying to lose weight during the holidays may be a self-defeating goal. Maintaining your weight over the next several weeks is a good expectation to set.

2. Plan Ahead to Plan Ahead

Look ahead now at your calendar for the coming weeks. Set some time aside to plan before you find yourself dressed up and walking out the door to your next social event. Plan for any upcoming trips as well–What will you eat while traveling?

3. Don’t Go To a Party Hungry

If you arrive at a social event too hungry, you won’t be able to resist temptation. Eat a small healthy snack, (Shaklee180 Snack Bar) or drink your Shaklee Life Shake before you go. Those same healthy options can be used for your kids as well.

4. Enjoy the Company

Spend time greeting your friends or relatives before heading for the food table or grabbing a drink. Make the people around you your first and main focus.

5. Fill Up on Fresh Veggies

When you do hit the buffet, pile up the vegetables on your plate. A dab of dip is okay, too. Encourage your kids to do the same–to eat their veggies first. Vegetables are more filling than fruit, and your digestive system will certainly thank you later!

6. Bring A Dish

If you’ve been invited to a dinner party, offer to bring a dish. Modify your favorite family recipe with a healthier option or bring a nice large salad. Then, no matter what is served, you can be assured you have a great healthy option to stay on track.

7. Eyeball Your Portions

Dining out? Share an entrée with your dining companion, order a la carte, or set aside part of your meal to take home and enjoy the next day. Also, remember to eat slowly and focus on having a good conversation.

8. Are You Really Hungry?

Pay attention to your signs of true hunger and satiety. Eat when you feel the first signs of hunger, stop when you feel comfortable. If you’re unsure, try drinking a glass of water to see if your “hunger” subsides.

9. Don’t Drink Away Your Success

The average alcoholic drink or festival beverage, like eggnog or punch, contains 150-200 calories per glass. Lighten up with a wine spritzer or a glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lime. You’ll look like you’re indulging, and you’ll stay more clear-headed and slimmer.

10. Keep Moving

Don’t let your busy schedule or the winter weather prevent you from exercising. Schedule your workouts and consider them just as important as any other appointment or event. If you don’t have time before a big party, wear your dancing shoes and boogie the night away!

When planning an outing or travel with your family, make sure to include some activities that encourage movement. Holidays are great for ice skating, strolling lit up neighborhoods full of lights, or climbing and sledding snowy hills.

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