Once you arrive at the party, take in the food with your eyes first. "Pausing to survey the spread and thinking about which foods are your favourites and which foods just aren’t worth it allows you to splurge selectively." Tell yourself that you don’t have to try one of everything.

Remember these tips during partying:

  1. Load up on fruits and vegetables. They have more fiber and fewer calories so you can fill your plate, eat healthy, and satisfy your appetite.
  2. Move away from the buffet. Fill a small plate with no more than two food items at once and then mingle.
  3. "Hang out with the talkers, not the eaters." Keep something in your hands, like a low-calorie drink, and avoid the temptation to grab appetizers as they pass by.
  4. Don't deprive yourself completely. Allow yourself a few special holiday treats, but choose carefully. Think before you load your plate with holiday food.
  5. Bypass most of the buffet and save your calories for the foods you really enjoy.
  6. Prolong the moment. The longer you linger before indulging in your holiday food choices, the less likely you’ll eat too much. Don't head straight to the front of the buffet line. If you're the first to eat, then you'll be finished before everyone else and more tempted to go back for seconds.