Avoid Holiday Overeating

By Abby Aronowitz, Ph.D., author of "Your Final Diet.," weight management coach and motivational speaker.

'Tis the season to feast with family and friends.

Thanksgiving is the unofficial kickoff to holiday indulgence and overeating. Each holiday season, through the New Year, many of us excuse the mountains of calories consumed. Why do we tend to eat past the point of satiation during this time of year?

There are many reasons we overeat during the season of celebration. Preparation for the holidays exacerbates everyday stress by adding more social obligations, financial pressures and time constraints. Stress can also accumulate from family members or expectations to have a great time at parties.

Even if you're having a great time, it's easy to lose track of calories. Social pressure from "food pushers" may be difficult to manage without hurting their feelings, or you feeling guilty. And if you think New Year's resolutions will eliminate those extra pounds, think again! Most weight loss resolutions don't last.

So, what can we do to manage our cravings, stress and avoid weight gain during this time of caloric bombardment? Here are seven tips to get you through with ease and enjoyment.

1. Experiment:
Allow yourself to have anything and everything you want to eat, but become a fabulous food manager. Food may not make you fat, but food abuse might! Choose seasonal foods you aren't likely to eat during the rest of the year -- eliminate those commonly available. For example, choose squash pudding instead of eating bread with butter.

2. Serve Yourself:
Politely insist on serving yourself. Take very small portions, eat slowly, and pay close attention to taste and cues of becoming full. Enjoy seconds or thirds of what you love, but keep the portions small and don't feel guilty for leaving out what's less than delicious. Leftovers are either wasted in the garbage or wasted on your body, and the former is much less fattening!

3. Politely Push Away:
Handle well-intentioned hosts who continually offer more food by showering them with compliments and appreciation. And kindly refusing to overindulge. If they are insulted by your refusal to overeat, recognize that it is their problem to cope with.

Next: Get Tips 4-7
More: Beat Overeating Triggers