Snow or no snow, in my opinion, December kicks off the Christmas season.

With it comes holiday parties, dinners out, family gatherings and, of course, food. There's no getting around it, we are just wired to include food with any and all celebrations. In fact, I challenge you to find any culture that celebrates an occasion where they don't have a special dish that goes with.

Memories are made around the table. So it's important to be able to partake in those celebrations, including the food, and enjoy them, guilt free and without sabotaging your health and weight goals.

To that end, here are 12 tips I share with my clients to help lower the stress, increase enjoyment, make those memories and avoid the need for elastic waistbands adding while navigating this season of food.

1. Plan your celebration meal. It's the holidays and you know there will be occasions to eat out and/or partake in things you wouldn't normally eat. The best way to keep those one-offs from gaining momentum and sabotaging all the good you've done so far, is to plan. Mark those celebration meals on your calendar. Planning not only gives you something to look forward to, you're more likely to stay focused and eat clean leading up to it. More clean days gives your health and weight the edge. Always.

2. Pick your favourite. Let’s face it, treats are everywhere. Swearing off them completely will only make you want them all the more. Instead of just........

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