Athlete's Survival Guide to Holiday Eating

If you're like me, you look ahead to holiday eating with glee—and a healthy dose of dread.

Yes, we love those sugar and dough-laden treats from our wonder years. Problem is, although we've been carefully watching the scales and keeping our weight in check all season, those temptations (and the people who push them) are hard to resist.

More: Skinny Sweets

It's nearly impossible to say no... but who wants to deal with losing weight yet again come January 2?

Next time you're confronted with a tough choice, pull one these tricks out of your hat and delight in your resolve. After all, you are an athlete—discipline is your middle name.

Fatten Up and Pig Out

That's right. Snack on a handful of healthy nuts, some smashed avocado rolled up in deli meat, or munch a bowl of berries drizzled with coconut milk and chia seeds about 30 minutes before heading out to a dinner party.

Fat and protein help you feel full so that by mealtime, you can keep your appetite in check. Both of these macronutrients beat carbs when it comes to satiety.

More: How to Choose Healthy Snacks

It's hard to think clearly when you're starving and if you aren't positive that you'll be offered healthy options where you're going, go prepared.

Holiday Cheer

Yes, red wine has powerful antioxidant capabilities. But more than one glass of alcohol for women and two for men each day can have detrimental health effects. And let's not forget about the added calories and sugar load.

Make sure you eat food while you drink so that your blood sugar isn't whacked.

More: Juicing Your Way Through the Holidays

If you are tempted to drink more than one or two, have a glass of water in between each cocktail in order to keep hydrated, sober and, hopefully, too full to drink more than you should.

Pick Your Shots

You will be tempted to consume fun stuff that, in volume, will short-circuit weight management. 

A treat or two won't hurt you. The operative word here is "volume." So, scan the feast and pick the thing, and only one, that you are going to splurge on. 

Is it that creamy, cheese-stuffed pasta dish? The gooey, brownie cake blanketed in caramel and ice cream?

Once you make your choice, have just a few bites of it and push it aside. You may discover that munching just a little bit will tame the craving beast and you can enjoy it pretty much guilt-free.

More:  6 Tools to Keep Your Calories in Check