7 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating:Through New Years

Let's face it, navigating the holidays without packing on at least a few extra pounds takes willpower, perseverance and, in some cases, an act of divine intervention. In order to make it through without gaining a dress size you're going to need a game plan. Luckily Devin Alexander is here to dish about what keeps her staying slim throughout the holidays -- and it doesn't involve locking yourself in the house from November through January. As the host of Healthy Decadence with Devin Alexander on Discovery Health and Fit TV and bestselling author of, "The Biggest Loser Cookbook,""Fast Food Fix" and, most recently, "The Most Decadent Diet Ever!" (Broadway, $19.95), Devin knows a thing or two about eating great food and believes you don't have to deprive yourself to be fit and healthy. And that's not just lip service - she's maintained a 55 pound weight loss over 15 years by incorporating simple changes into her everyday life.

Here are Devin's decadent tips for navigating holiday cheer without disaster:

1. Eat First. Don't ever go to a holiday party on an empty stomach. There are rarely healthy options. If you eat a small meal before you go then snack selectively, you'll be ruled by your head, not your starved stomach.

2. Scope out the room. Don't grab the first appetizer passed or over indulge on the first course. Check out all of the eating options then allow yourself a few indulgences that you know you'll really enjoy. Beyond that, eat sensibly.

3. Fill your hands. If you keep a glass of wine (or better yet, sparkling water spiked with fresh lime or lemon juice) in your hands, it'll be harder to eat too much.

4. Mingle in the Middle of the Room (away from the food table). You'll be less likely to overeat if you have to walk across the room to get to the food.

5. Instead of opting for buttery, iced cookies or bars, try eating a small piece of gingerbread, a candy cane, a couple of chocolate dipped strawberries or a small piece of dark chocolate to satisfy the sweet craving.

6. Be mindful that 3, 4 or 5 (at most) pieces of your typical party appetizers like egg rolls, pigs in blankets, mini-quiches, and stuffed mushrooms have more fat and calories than you need to be eating for an entire meal. Don't eat 10...or worse, eat 10 then go to dinner!

7. Instead of bringing a bottle of wine or a box of fudge as a hostess gift to a party that you know isn't catered, bring a healthy appetizer or festive dish so that you know that there will be at least one tasty, healthy option for you (and the other guests) to enjoy.

For more info on how to spend less, get more and sweeten your life keep exploring all the info, updates, deals and coupons on RedPlum!