Do you have holiday plans? If so, you need a plan to survive the holidays.

There is only one way I have found to be sucessful—make a strategy to make it through successfully. It can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. My plan looks something like this: 

1. Plan Ahead. I make up my mind to be successful. I make a plan that I am willing to follow, I follow the plan and I determine to stick to it.  

2. Avoid temptation. Eating before I go to an event helps me avoid temptation. I eat a healthy protein before I arrive at the event. When I'm not extremely hungry, I'm not tempted to over-indulge. Once I arrive at the party, I choose my selections wisely. My plan is to watch my portion sizes. I may plan to allow myself one or two bites of something I enjoy (maybe a sweet treat) that is not on my "everyday" menu.

Now, my choice to have a bite or two is built into my "plan". I make sure my choice to splurge is done in moderation and with self-control. I can eat anything I want, but I will choose to make wise selections. I can allow myself to taste a bite or two of a sweet indulgence to avoid feelings of deprivation. I will not view it as a failure, but part of my plan. I will choose to stay "on my plan". I avoid emotional traps of guilt and shame when I give myself permission to partake within my pre-planned boundaries.  

3. Refocus. I have found it helpful to refocus on my power to choose. I choose to focus on what I "can do" instead of what "I can't". I refocus my attention from the food offered to the opportunity to visit with friends—maybe even make a few new ones. Refocusing on relationships, conversations, and others, rather than to focus on myself empowers me to be successful. 

Whatever you plan to do for the holidays, make to plan to attend the party with success. See ya there!