Here is what I offer up:

1. Plan ahead so you know what you do & do not want to commit to food wise. If you are going all out & eating whatever you want, than own it & don't bit*h afterwards.

2. Try to exercise before "the event". If you can't, at least suggest a walk after the food event OR do something both before & after.. split it up, even if it is just out walking & enjoying your time with family/friends.

3. Eat a healthy breakfast otherwise you risk the chance of being starving which leads to... we all know this... eating everything in site before we even give our stomach a chance to feel fullness.

4. Drink your water. Don't dehydrate! If you are drinking alcohol, try to keep it to a minimum as lots of empty calories there & drink your water to combat that. Actually keeping your hands full with a glass of water may stop you from the double grabbing of food!

5. Bring at least one healthy dish that you can go to.. help to even out some of the other foods there.

6. TRY to portion control. If you have to have a bit of everything, make it a bit & not a wheel barrel full. See this clip from The Today Show. I have written many posts about these nibbles here & there & how they add up. This clip shows you how nibbling thru making the turkey day meal can add up to over 760 calories! AND, we know for some, that could be more!

7. SLOW DOWN! Eat slower, savor the flavors & food. This will help you eat less. Try talking instead of eating.

8. Plan to amp up your workouts before and/or after a fun filled get together. AND, get right back to business the very next day.. not the next Monday.

9. Eat super clean the couple days after a splurge to not only to clean out the bod but to just feel better. Don't we often feel "gross" after an eating binge. Drink lots of water too to help flush out the sodium that may have been in the food you ate & to cleanse the bod.

10.  Remember, it is OK to say NO if you don't want to eat something.

AND always remember - Enjoy family & friends. Isn't this what it is all about!

Want to chime in on some tips for surviving the holidays... pass it on! I had to leave out some of mine so you could chime in!!!

Me... you guessed it & I have written about it.... I exercise that day. I eat healthy at all my meals & I plan for & save up for my treat!