How to avoid overindulging at the big feast

It's the holiday season, a time to eat, drink and be merry. But with a strategy of your own, you could avoid having to loosen your belt mid-way through and wondering how you will lose the typical 6 or 7 pounds you could gain this year.

These common-sense tips can help.

* Don't go there hungry. Eat before you leave home so you won't overload your plate because you feel starved.

* Watch the alcohol. It's high-calorie and impairs judgment. The more you drink, the more you'll eat.

* Check the table or buffet line to determine what you really like and what you can skip. Focus on fruit and vegetables, unless the vegetables are swimming in cheese. Look for good foods that aren't high in fat. Skip the bread at first so you have more room for the good stuff.

* At a buffet, fill your own dish so you can choose what you want and your dish won't be overloaded.

* For baked potatoes and sweet potatoes, avoid the butter, cheese and bacon. Look for low-fat sour cream or yogurt.

* When you're finally ready to eat, start with the fruits and vegetables. Eat slowly. Be sociable. Visit while you eat so you won't just be shoveling in the food.

* When it comes to dessert, take the smallest piece. If you must sample two desserts, just take a few bites of each. After dinner, take a walk and invite family members to go with you. It's fun, burns a few calories, and helps to relieve that full feeling.

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