Parties often equal lots of great food and drinks, but if you’re like many people you haven’t given up on your New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are planning a Super Bowl party or going to someone’s party to keep from over eating.

Don’t go Hungry

Tip 1: Since the Super Bowl is held later in the evening, around dinner time for most people, try to eat something nutritious and low calorie before you arrive. This could be anything from a medium sized apple to a bowl of cereal. Just something small so you are not ravenous once you see all the food. This will help to curb your appetite and help to prevent you from over indulging on high calorie/high fat foods.

Water Please

Tip 2: When you first arrive at the party and someone offers you a drink simply ask for water to start with. This will help to hydrate you prior to consuming too much sodium and also before you consume any alcohol. Besides, if you are drinking water then you can postpone (and reduce) the amount of other high calorie drinks you consume during the entire party. Also try to drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks such as after each beer to slow down your consumption rate and reduce calories.

Take a Plate

Tip 3: Take a plate when you go for the food rather than grazing the entire time you are at the party. Only take a small amount of each of the foods you can’t resist and only take enough to equal a small dinner. The calories won’t be small if you take too many buffalo wings, but hopefully if you sit down with a certain amount of food you can reduce the overall amount you eat while at the party.

Healthy Options

Tip 4: If you are asked to bring food to the party or you are hosting the party provide healthy food options. Then make those dishes your priority when you begin your snacking. Keep your portion size under control and try not to go back for thirds.

Just Stop

Tip 5: Self-control is a hard task when so many delicious options are placed in front of you, but just stop eating. Tell yourself that tomorrow is another day you have to wake up and face yourself. If you don’t want to overeat then don’t let yourself get wrapped up in the excitement of the party and over indulge.

Taking control of what you eat and how much you eat can help you to obtain a healthy weight. Parties and group gatherings create problems for many people trying to lose weight. Plan ahead to help create a barrier between you and the unhealthy food/portion sizes you will encounter at a party. Don’t eliminate everything, but plan ahead to have a good time without too much food. Good luck and enjoy the game!