The holiday season provides plenty of good cheer and mouth-watering temptations. This does not mean you have to loosen your belt or feel guilty after enjoying treats. You can give yourself permission to sample your favorites, eat well and not gain weight. The keys are moderation and balance.

Here are a few tips to help you cope this holiday season:

1. Arm yourself with strategies before you go to the party. Know exactly what your plan of attack will be before you even get there. This year, think comfort and control. Have a positive mindset and take charge of your food choices.

2. When anticipating a high-calorie dinner, eat lighter for breakfast and lunch, but don’t skip them.

3. Never go to a party hungry. Eat a small, low-fat snack, such as fruit or yogurt before you head out the door. This will help avoid rushing to the buffet table when you arrive.

4. Be selective. At a buffet table, pass on foods you can eat any day of the year. Limit yourself to one, reasonable-sized helping. You will be less likely to have seconds if you are last in line for the buffet.

5. Do not hover around the food tables. Focus on activities other than eating – greet people you know and introduce yourself to those you don’t. Conversation is calorie free. Remember what your mother told you, you cannot talk with your mouth full.

6. Skip the fats. Avoid those concentrated sources of calories by not adding any butter, margarine, sour cream or gravy to your food.

7. If you are the hostess, plan a delicious but sensible spread. Wherever possible, substitute low-fat ingredients; i.e. use low- fat sour cream in dips.

8. Stay active. Go for a walk or take advantage of winter activities. Exercise is a great stress reliever. Exercise will also help you to burn off those extra calories you do consume. Exercise helps maintain the balance.

9. Enjoy the festivities. Refocus your attention from the food to the social aspects of the holidays. Invite friends to ice skate or go Christmas caroling.

10. Most importantly, stop eating when you are full as opposed to when your are stuffed.

Michele Howard is a member of Scarborough Wellness,

which promotes healthy lifestyles for people of all ages.