HOLIDAY PARTY GUIDE

You'll be in big trouble if you skip meals all day long.

Why? Arriving at the party hungry will make you reach for the first thing you see (and the second, and the third!) -- whether it's healthy or not!

Instead: Cut back on refined carbs and fats

throughout the day to give yourself some freedom, and include protein and fiber in every meal to help you feel full. For example, at breakfast have oat bran cereal with skim milk, a low-fat yogurt, and a piece of fruit. At lunch, throw some beans into your salad and swap the oil-based dressing for balsamic vinegar with a little mustard mixed in. Have a healthy snack -- a handful of nuts -- right before the party.

Work out BUT NOT as an excuse to eat more.

Why? One exercise session is not going to make up for the hundreds of extra calories consumed at a party.

Instead: Add an extra 10 minutes to your workout for a week, if you know you may be overly tempted. When you exercise just to compensate for calorie intake, you're setting yourself up to feel bad when you can't work off a high-calorie meal.

Try not to taste a little bit of everything.

Why? Studies show that eating too many different types of food may turn on your appetite.

Instead: Survey the entire food spread first, then choose a few things that you really want. Count the party food as one meal -- aim for 500 to 600 calories, including your drinks. Take two small-size plates of food -- one for snacks, the other for appetizers.

What to Dip

Hummus (54 calories, 2.6g fat, 0.3g saturated fat)

Salsa (9 calories, 0.1g fat, 0g saturated fat)

What to Skip

Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese (70 calories, 6g fat, 4g saturated fat)

Your Best Choice?

Salsa! Tomatoes are a low-calorie source of vitamins A and C and lycopene, which protects the heart.

What to Eat:

The Best Finger Foods

Bite-size poppers can be dicey, because the calories can add up quickly. Select three items as your main course, but get your fill early on.

3 California Sushi Rolls = 125 calories, 2g fat, 0.5g saturated fat

Mini Burgers (1 burger) = 111 calories, 5g fat, 1.8g saturated fat