The holidays are still here, which means the parties and time with family still have the possibility to make the numbers on the scale creep up. Did you know that dining in a group causes the average person to eat about 44 percent more calories than he or she would normally eat alone? So many distractions during eating time usually add up to more eating.

On average, Americans gain approximately one pound at holiday time. This may not seem like a lot, but we usually don't lose this pound. Long term, after 10 years, it’s a lot of extra weight. Short term, all the sugar, calories, sodium and fat may make for an extra wrinkle and dull skin for 2012.

The New Year is quickly approaching, yet we still have a few more holiday parties to get through before our New Year’s Resolutions officially begin. In a previous post, we divulged seven tips to help you stay on track. Here are a few more that will help you battle the bulge as the holiday season comes to a close.

1. Be the last in line. Never underestimate the visual power of food and how it affects appetite. The buffet or appetizer table looks great when you're the lucky first person to it. Once many people go through the line, the food loses its luster.
2. Leave the elastic at home. The outfit you thought looked great last year with the elastic waist will spell trouble at the holiday party because it will allow you to eat tons of food without feeling discomfort. You want to be able to feel it when you've had your fill, so keep your pants or skirt on the tighter side.
3. Use a salad plate for your main course. This will help you control your portions by giving you the visual appeal of a full plate. It will also give your stomach time to digest and help you rethink that second helping you’re contemplating.
4. Focus on friends, not the food. Keep in mind that simple snacking can add a ton of calories. Dip alone can be 100 calories per serving, not to mention a huge amount of fat. Be aware and let yourself eat, but do not let yourself go overboard.
5. Drink lots of water. Water is hydrating, has zero calories and helps fill your stomach.

Continue to take charge as the holiday season progresses! What’s your game plan? Post a comment and share with our online community today.