Tips for Surviving "National Eating Season"

• Plan your meals.
  
• Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze in individual servings so you have a health go-to meal when you are too busy to cook.
  
• Choose what you eat with intention (avoid mindless eating).
  
• Eat frequent small meals.
  
• Eat breakfast.
  
• Drink plenty of water (especially before a meal).
  
• Include some protein, fat, and “good” carbohydrate (vegetable, fruit, whole grains) with each meal.
  
• Eat a healthy snack before attending a party.
  
• “Budget” your food for the day when you know you have a social event to attend.
  
• At a buffet, scope out the options and decide which foods to sample before you load up your plate.
  
• Satisfy your craving for high-calorie foods by having a portion the size of a coin; sometimes a taste calms the urge.
  
• Limit consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
  
• Skip sodas (including the diet sodas) and energy drinks.
  
• Eat foods that reduce stress (lean protein, nuts and seeds, berries, dark green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, and dark chocolate (72% cocoa or higher).
  
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga.
  
• Get plenty of sleep.
  
• Keep up with your exercise routine.
  
• Build a support network and call on their help when you need it.