The number one reason weight loss is the most common New Year’s resolution has a lot to do with what we see on the table in the months of November and December. It’s hard to stick to a weight loss plan when your entire family is digging into holiday foods like candied yams like they’re going out of style.

So what’s a health-conscious, responsible person like you to do?

The simplest and easiest thing you can do is to run for the hills, though it’s probably not the best idea, socially speaking.

Do try to avoid group mentality, though. No matter how tight-knit you are with your mom or your grandmother, just say “no” to the second helpings – no matter how many times you’re offered.

Refrain from the ‘clean plate’ mentality as well. Just because you have a full plate in front of you doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Your stomach will thank you later.

There’s only so much social dodging you can do, especially during the holidays. Just because you are watching your waistline, it doesn’t mean you have to have your own special plate of food made as everyone else digs in.

How can you approach the holiday spread without having a calorie hangover the next day? It’s okay to indulge a little, but you want to avoid certain foods as much as possible.

The Terrible Trio: Three Kinds of Foods To Avoid

There’s a good rule of thumb to go by when avoiding some foods that are bad for you. And you’ve probably heard it before: avoid foods with a high fat content, fried foods, and empty calories.

You’re probably thinking: avoiding those foods basically means I can’t eat anything at all those holiday parties. That’s not necessarily true – knowing some quick and easy alternatives can keep the weight off your shoulders (and your waistline).

It’s a lot easier to avoid certain foods, especially when you know what to look out for and what your fork shouldn’t touch.

• Foods With A High Fat Content

This is a pretty broad category. Plenty of holiday foods are high in saturated fat content. It’s not realistic to expect you drop all fatty foods during the holidays, but avoiding what you can will go a long way.

With that in mind, watch out for these lurking, high fat food threats:

• cheeses
• creamy dips
• cream soups

Substituting the casseroles filled with oozing cream and cheese for some tastier, freshly prepared veggies can make a huge difference in having a healthy holiday.

• Fried Foods

Excess oil and breading can wreck your cholesterol, increase your risk of heart disease and sabotage your weight loss goals. These fried foods may taste good, but isn’t worth the damage. Dodge these:

• fried chicken, other meats (including fried turkey)
• fried seafood
• fried veggies (including those onion

Everyone has food weaknesses. If yours is a fried chicken leg, consider rethinking the holiday menu. Make some (subtle) suggestions to those doing the cooking. If dad wants to throw the holiday turkey into the fryer, suggest the oven instead.

• Empty Calories

Empty calories are perhaps the sneakiest threat to a diet – they’ll creep up on you if you’re not vigilant. That glass of wine or a sugary cocktail are the most common culprits, especially as you gulp down sip after sip at the dinner table.

Other holiday drinks like eggnog, hot cider, and hot chocolate are great for getting in the holiday spirit, but only in moderation. Also, watch out for the salty nuts and sugary treats before meals. You might find yourself absently scooping up handfuls and adding tons of extra calories before you even sit down at the holiday table!

Strategize Now, Stay Slim During the Holidays

The holidays can be a major challenge for anyone looking to maintain a healthy balance in their diet, but there’s no reason to panic. Indulging wisely can make all the difference as you enjoy the holidays. Stick to the plan: Avoid high fat foods as much as you can. Don’t pile fried foods on your plate. Watch for sneaky extra calories, especially cocktails and appetizers like nuts and sugary treats. And take extra curb-craving supplements during the holidays too.

The holiday dinner table doesn’t have to be a battlefield. By planning ahead, you can avoid the challenge (and the anxiety) of what you can/should/could eat – and the consequences (weight gain). Do this now, and you’ll be ready to start the new year in a healthier frame of mind.