With the holiday weekend upon us, you may have plans to attend a picnic or party. If not, there is a very good chance that you'll be at a graduation party or wedding in the upcoming months. Either way, it's good to have a few tricks up your sleeve that will help you avoid over-eating at any of the events you attend.

RUIN YOUR DINNER (OR LUNCH)
Forget what your mother told you....go ahead and eat something beforehand. When you're hungry, you're more likely to overeat, or make unhealthy choices. Have something small like a piece of fruit, a small sandwich, or an english muffin topped with low-fat cheese or peanut butter.

CHOOSE WISELY
Enjoy one dessert that you want most. You may have heard that having a small piece of a few different desserts is a good weight management tip -- this usually amounts to even more calories and fat than a single portion of your favorite dessert. Try and choose a dessert that you really know you enjoy -- one that you rarely see or don't know how to make on your own.
WATCH WHAT YOU DRINK
Limit your alcoholic beverages to one or two. Alcohol packs a lot of calories, and they can add up quickly. Alternate your drinks with water, seltzer or a fruit juice spritzer.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Grab a chair away from the buffet table. With tempting foods right in front of you, you may find yourself picking at chips or cookies when you're not even hungry. Remember that parties are about people and having fun -- not about the food. Get up and mingle!

PLAN AHEAD
If you'll be attending an evening event, try to eat a lighter breakfast, lunch, and snack that day. Look at your day as a whole package -- if you're going to be enjoying some high-fat or high-sugar foods at night, having a large breakfast and lunch could lead to a very high calorie day. Do not skip meals -- this will most likely lead to overeating.

MOVE AND PLAY
Suggest taking a walk around the block with family or friends that you haven't seen in a while -- you can walk while catching up. If there is volleyball, softball, or swimming going on -- join in!

Wishing you a healthy and fun Memorial Day Weekend!!

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