The holiday season is supposed to be about fun and social events. Don't let the treats take over your holidays - go in with a survival plan. Here are some ideas for your plan:

• Write down your goals and make a plan that helps you stick to them. If your goal is to have a good time, figure out what that would entail. It probably doesn't involve half of a cheesecake. If it does, well, go on then.

• Avoid the “binge now, resolve later” approach. Many people overindulge between Thanksgiving and January 1st, thinking they will resolve to get healthy after the New Year. But by then you may have already gained extra weight or run down your immune system, feeling tired or sick. Be clear, mindful, and intentional about your choices.

• Avoid the office saboteurs - the people who leave cookies in the breakroom and candy on their desk (You’re not one of them – are you?).

• If you have holiday treats for your family and guests, keep them out of sight or in opaque containers. Brian Wansink, author of the book, Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think, recommends ditching the see-through containers. His research shows that we are more likely to eat twice as many chocolates or other candies when they are in a clear container within our sight than when they are in opaque containers.

• Find an accountability partner who will help you stay on target with your goals. Like me!