Are you waiting for the perfect time to start eating better, exercising more, living a healthier lifestyle? When you go on vacation do you take a vacation from healthy eating? Does every holiday season provide you with another excuse for over-indulging? The problem with waiting for perfection is that it never comes. It's November – the beginning of the holiday season filled with parties, family gatherings and restaurant meals. This year don't take a 'holiday' from healthy eating. Make a plan to start the New Year on the 'lighter' side. Here are a few ideas for maneuvering through the party circuit and getting a head start on your resolutions:

1. Snack before leaving home – grab an apple or handful of nuts to curb your appetite before your event
2. Make a plan – choose healthy options when dining out such as baked, grilled or Sautéed entrees, avoid high fat add-ons like sour cream and butter, and decide on a little when you just can't resist that high calorie, high fat food. Know what to order before you get to the restaurant
3. Eat consciously – sit down to eat, don't graze at a buffet table, and put your fork down between bites
4. Bring a healthy dish to share – the hostess will appreciate the help and you'll have something to eat that's on your plan
5. Drink plenty of water – you might confuse dehydration for hunger pangs
6. Curb the "sauce" – cocktails can be loaded with calories and can lower your self-control causing you to eat more
7. Enjoy the company and conversation, don't make food your focus
8. Do regular exercise to burn calories and reduce stress
9. Get enough sleep, research shows 7 - 9 hours can help you avoid a weight gain
10. Keep perspective – a little overeating one night is not an excuse to give up on your plan

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