Your diet has been going well for months, but with the holidays coming up you may start to worry about overeating or consuming too many unhealthy, sugary sweets. With a bit of self-control and a few smart tips, you can navigate the holidays while still sticking to your diet. Here are some ways to do it.

1. Eat healthy foods first. Fill your plate with a mixture of healthy vegetables and even a few not-so-healthy indulgences like carbs, starches and sweets. Eat the healthy foods first to prevent you from overeating afterward.
2. Eat slowly. Many people get so excited about a delicious holiday meal that they stuff themselves before even realizing it. Cut your food into small pieces and eat slowly, stopping as soon as you’re full, to ensure that you fully enjoy your meal without overdoing it.
3. Go easy on the toppings. If you’re already allowing yourself to cheat with a piece of pie, sacrifice the sugar-heavy whipped cream or ice cream topping to cut calories.
4. Don’t skip your other meals. To avoid overeating at a holiday celebration, be sure to eat filling, nutritious meals throughout the day beforehand.
5. Stick to your current weight. Instead of attempting to continue losing weight during the holidays, it’s more realistic to simply maintain your current weight.

Holiday Healthy Eating Guide [American Heart Association]
9 Healthy Holiday-Eating Strategies [Real Simple]
Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating [Sutter Health]
12 Ways to Survive a Holiday Eating Frenzy [Better Health USA]

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