Starting with Thanksgiving and going through New Year's Day, you can expect to be tempted with heaping helpings of holiday foods. What is supposed to be the most festive time of year can become the most challenging time of year for those trying to watch their weight. But don't be afraid to join the festivities. The key is to anticipate the temptations and plan ahead.

• DON'T SET YOURSELF UP. Telling yourself "I'm not going to eat at the party" is a set-up. By not eating, you may feel deprived because everyone around you is eating and having a good time. Instead, plan ahead. Think about the food you will be tempted by. List the food you will eat and when you will eat it. Add up the calories. How do the calories fit with your calorie goals for the day or the week?
• EAT SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GO. Don't starve yourself before the party. On the day of the event, select low-fat, high-fiber choices such as cereal with skim milk and fresh fruit for breakfast and a salad with lean meat for lunch. You may even want to have a small snack before leaving for the party. Arriving at a party very hungry will only increase your chances of overeating.
• BALANCE YOUR CALORIES. When you have an office lunch at a fancy restaurant, plan on a low-calorie soup for dinner.
• DON'T HANG OUT NEAR THE FOOD. Volunteer to greet guests or help in other ways away from the food. Enjoy the people. Remember that the socializing, not the food, is what makes a party fun. Also, compliment the host or hostess early in the party. He/she will be less likely to keep offering "just a little bite" of his/her specialty.
• SAVE YOUR FAT ALLOWANCE FOR SPECIAL FOODS. Ask yourself if it's worth it before you put it into your mouth. Stay away from chips or foods you can have anytime of year. Use this as an opportunity to sample new and different foods or foods you really like.
• EAT SLOWLY. Be the slowest eater. Pay attention to the smell, taste and texture of each item. Chew slowly and enjoy. This will help control the automatic eating that results in calorie overload.
• BE REALISTIC. If you know there is a specific food you will not be able to resist, allow yourself a small amount of it. Even the strongest will have less will power during the holidays. Don't berate yourself when you do. 

  If you happen to eat more than you intended, keep a positive attitude. Don't make yourself miserable during the rest of the holidays by saying things like, "I'm a failure." Don't let one day's lapse ruin several weeks of progress. A positive attitude will help you control your eating both during and after the holidays.

Sources: