 Hi, I'm Jessica Perkins, registered dietitian with Mid-Michigan Health's Weight Management Program. The holidays are often filled with food and fun with friends, but there are some ways that we can stay healthy during the holidays. Be aware of how much you're eating. A lot of times we eat at a boredom, stress, depression, or loneliness. Try to find comfort with family and friends during the holidays instead of with food. A key to managing food is to take control of what you're eating. Try not to overstuff yourself and limit yourself to healthy food options. When you're making holiday desserts, don't feel like you have to deprive yourself by not having any. Maybe limit yourself to one item per day. And don't forget, after the meal is over, get out of the kitchen and move to a room without food. If you slip up and overeat, don't give up on the rest of the holiday season. If you eat one too many pieces of pie, maybe the next time you want to have a cookie, try a lower calorie option instead. Focus on the social part of your holiday parties and not so much on the eating. Try to get to know people a little bit better and not focus on the food. Some tips for eating at holiday parties. Try to have a snack or a large glass of water before attending so you don't feel overly hungry. Be careful with how many alcoholic beverages you drink at cocktail parties because this may lead to overeating. Another tip would be to have lots of leftover containers ready to send home with your guests. Enjoy this holiday season and remember the holidays about making memories and spending time with family and friends, not about eating food. Mid-Michigan health. More life, more health.