With Christmas and New Years almost here, it's time to discuss your party strategy. Everyone knows that holiday parties can be a calorie bomb waiting to explode. How can you enjoy yourself without over indulging? It all depends on your party strategy. In this week's blog, we'll discuss different steps you can take to avoid putting on extra pounds this month.

It doesn't matter what type of party you're attending, because this step always works. Before heading off to a party, it always helps to enjoy a healthy meal. Eating before going to the party can curb your appetite, making it easier to enjoy the party. You'll still be able to have a taste of this and that without wanting to eat everything in sight. Some of the best foods to eat before going to a party include high-fiber foods. These foods will stick with you while you walk by the calorie-laden buffet.

Obviously, it isn't always possible to eat before going to a party. When this happens, make your choices carefully. For example, try filling up on vegetables. Just make sure to avoid high-calorie dips. It also helps to keep water handy and sip on it throughout the night. The water will help fill you up so that you don't overeat.

Don't forget to also watch your intake of alcoholic drinks. If at all possible, it's best to avoid the martini glass and opt for water or a diet soda. If you must have a drink, make sure to only have one. Alcoholic drinks can be loaded with calories.

This healthy lifestyle change doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite party foods. What this change means is that you need to take measures so that you eat your favorite party foods in moderation. It doesn't hurt to have small portions of your favorite foods. What hurts is when you go overboard.

Last, but not least, remember that if you do go overboard at one party, it's okay. Just remember to get back on track and work hard to do better at the next party.

Merry Christmas!

This week, we're going to discuss a rather big lifestyle change. This is a change that I struggle with each year. In other words, the only time you'll have to think about this lifestyle change is during the winter months. You know what I'm talking about. The weather starts to turn cold, Thanksgiving dinner's on the table and, bam, it's New Year's Day, and you're 10 pounds heavier. What happened? All you remember is being in a carb-induced coma for the past few weeks. Don't worry. It happens to all us at some point. But this year, you're going to work towards making a change. Thanksgiving will no longer be the beginning of a month-long free forall.

Why is this lifestyle change so hard to make? Truthfully, I think it begins with leftovers. You prepare a huge Thanksgiving feast, and then munch on it for a couple days. Instead of consuming a single thousand-calorie meal, you consume several in only two or three days. There are a few ways to avoid this bad beginning. First of all, consider going out for Thanksgiving dinner. If that isn't an option, send leftovers home with relatives. Another option is to prepare homemade TV dinners and freeze them for a later date.

What else contributes to this mighty free for all? One problem lies in holiday parties. They begin in early December and run through New Year's. They're filled with cakes, cookies, cocktails and other high-calorie treats. Thankfully, a healthy meal before heading to a party can help cut the amount of calories you consume.

Last, but not least, stop bringing home so many treats. Yes, the eggnog looks delicious. But wouldn't it be more of a treat if you only consumed it on Christmas? The same goes for butter cookies, homemade candy and hot chocolate. I'm not saying you should give these treats up. What I am saying is moderation is key. Enjoy your favorite foods on the holidays, not throughout the entire month of December.

Now, go watch some holiday movies and enjoy the season.