Easy tips to stay healthy during the holidays

1.Drink plenty of water and go easy on the alcohol or even skip it all together. If you are at a party and want to have a drink in your hand order some sparkling water with a lime wedge. It will be good for you and no one else will know.

2. Be mindful before you leave the house. Before you head out to a holiday event take 5 minutes to meditate on what your intentions are. No one wants to overindulge and feel guilty later that night or the next morning. This is the result of what can happen when we are not being mindful. Create an intention and stick to it.

3. Have a small snack before going to dinner or a party. A high fiber and/or high protein snack about an hour before dinner will help you resist the empty calories of bread and hor d'oeuvres before dinner saving you the calories.

4. If you do chose to munch a little on the appetizers go for the healthiest ones you can find. Fill up on the vegetable platter, nuts or fruit before hitting the sugar. You may find you don't even want the sugar after all.

5. Choose a small plate. If there are multiple plate sizes choose the smallest one available before you load up.

6. If you want to try something new keep the portion size small. Just take enough to sample the flavor.

7. Watch your vocabulary. Speaking as though you have already gained weight sends signals to the mind and body. It can become easy to go right along with the crowd after a delicious meal to say phrases such as, “Oh… I just gained 5 pounds.” Instead say "I am having a happy, healthy holiday."

Remember these parties and social events are meant to bring people together to enjoy each other's company, not to expand your waist line. The purpose isn't to stuff your face but be face to face creating memories of treasured relationships. By focusing on what you want and keeping it in the forefront of your mind, making the decision to eat healthy and be healthy will come easily.