Welcome to Holiday Survival: Part 3.

Buffets are perilous for those who are watching their weight. Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help you indulge without over-indulging.

1. Do you eat out on a regular basis? During the holiday season, you may want to trade your normal haunts for your holiday events to keep yourself on an even keel.

2. Bring your own. If you have an opportunity to bring a dish to party, be sure to bring something you know that you can enjoy.

3. If you’re going to indulge, choose something that really matters to you. If your vice is gingerbread or sugar cookies, stay away from the cakes and pies. Studies have shown that people often overeat when they have more options available than when the options are limited. Limiting your own options can have the same effect.

4. Check out our tips on responsible drinking during the holidays. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to overeating.

Be sure to put together all of the Holiday Survival tips on our blog. Planning ahead is always better than winging it.