Don’t starve people before they eat. Often, the holiday meal is served at an odd time. Serve some healthy snacks (veggies and dip for example) to tide people over.

Serve something warm to drink. If you are cold your body thinks it needs more food. Warm up and you will feel less likely to overindulge.

Make the meal an event–serve in stages.

Try starting with a salad or soup first. Then clear and serve the main course. It takes 20 minutes for the stomach to tell your brain it is full. Give it a head start.

Once you serve the main course take the platters, bread basket, and serving bowls off the table. Again, waiting 20 minutes to serve seconds will help your brain catch up with your stomach.

After the main course, clear (and even do) the dishes. This can be a great time to take a walk together, play a little touch football, or even chat by the fire.

Consider plating the dessert. Placing a small serving on a beautifully decorated plate makes a wonderful finish to the meal. Try swirling melted chocolate over the empty plate before you place the dessert and garnishing with a dollop light whipped cream.

After the meal, wrap up doggie bags for your guests. It is a lovely gesture and a way to limit the gravy taunting you in the refrigerator.

Try to treat this meal like any other. If you don’t take seconds at a regular meal, try to avoid it today!

Load up on fresh salad and vegetables from the relish tray.

Use gravies, sauces, and condiments sparingly.

If you don’t like it, don’t take it. Don’t feel compelled to eat things you don’t enjoy. Savor reasonable servings of what pleases you and leave the creamed onion casserole for someone else.

Leave something on your plate. Even just one pea. Leaving something behind will help you resist grazing as others finish and will signal others to stop offering you more.

If you end up overdoing it a bit, don't beat yourself up. Do better tomorrow. Give yourself credit for the healthy habits you maintain over the holiday and celebrate the investment you make in yourself.