Healthy eating during the holiday season

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.

The holidays are officially upon us, and that means (among lots of other things) food. Often, a lot of it.

How do you manage so much good, but not necessarily good-for-you, food during this time of year?

Left to my own devices, I could live off appetizers year round. The lure of tiny sandwiches and food in a ball format is nearly too much for me to resist. So, for me, it's important to keep a regular meal routine. I make sure to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner as I normally do, perhaps a little lighter fare, though.

I am not someone who should go to a party hungry.

When I'm at a party, I'm probably supposed to tell you I just stick to the vegetable tray and drink water.

But, I'd be lying.

At a party, I decide on a few things that I'd like to try and I try them, but they have to fit on the smallest plate available.

If I routinely deny myself an item at the buffet, I find that I think about it, and give in, sometimes eating more than if I had just gotten some in the first place. After that, I try to carry a drink to occupy my hands and explore that gathering in the room away from the food.

I don't think there's any magic way to handle holiday food. You have to eat less, or move more. But, it's also a time for celebration and I try not to get too hung up about it and use some common sense.

Other ideas:

- The holidays are a great time to visit with old friends, consider meeting for a walk at the park rather than a meal, and catch up while you get a little exercise.

- Volunteer to bring your favorite healthy dish to the party. That way, you're assured of something you like and call fill up on if the other food choices aren't as healthy.

- Eat a high protein meal before you go to the party, it'll help you feel full, longer

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