Holiday Hack: How to Enjoy the Holidays like a Nutritionist

* Pre-party with healthy snacks so you do not arrive hungry! Think fibrous vegetables and good fats.   (Carrots & hummus/ avocado, apples & almond butter/ string cheese.) * Channel your inner holiday sprite! Holiday drinking can double calories. Try a mixer with two ounces wine, club soda and a splash of cranberry juice. Nurse that baby into the night!

* Be colorful! Build a balanced dinner plate. Start at the salad bowl and work from there, keeping your plate full of bright colors and avoiding the dull-colored foods (they tend to be the worst ones for you.)

* Eat mindfully! Careful not to get so caught in the excitement that you take down the dessert tray. Take time to chew and set your fork down between each bite.

* Brace yourself! On party days keep your calories low. Have a smoothie for breakfast, a salad for lunch and plenty of healthy snacks so you don't arrive hungry.