The holiday party season officially begins this weekend (because the first party I’ve been invited to is this weekend). That means lots of seductive holiday treats, from sausage puffs to rum balls, from one kind of chocolaty thing to 50 other kinds of chocolaty things. As the thoughtful Mae West once said, “I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it.”

Come the holiday party season we all have a bit of Mae in us. Cynthia Bulik, author of “Crave: Why you binge eat and how to stop,” and director of the UNC’s Eating Disorders Program and her colleagues appreciate this, which is why they’ve issued a list of tips on how you can restrain your inner Mae as you make the holiday party rounds. (The suggestions are geared toward folks with eating disorders, but come the holidays seem to have a universal appeal.)

• Have a “wing man” – someone you trust to help run interference at family get-togethers or office parties. This should be someone who knows your triggers and can help distract you … while you handle the stress.
• Make up a code signal or phrase with your wing man. If you start to feel overwhelmed give your friend the signal so that you can both step out of the room and they can offer you some support.
• Keep your support team on speed dial and call them at any time during or after a party. Talking relieves the pressure. You’re not overburdening them. They will undoubtedly have stories to share, too.
• Potlucks are your friends – don’t hesitate to take a food you prepared that feels safe enough to you so that you will have at least one manageable entrée.
• Lavish holiday spreads don’t have to be the enemy.  If faced with one, channel your inner Boy Scout or Girl Scout skills and be prepared! Before stepping in line, and before getting a plate, evaluate the options. Mindfully consider which foods you’ll sample, portion sizes and whether you feel comfortable trying a “feared food.” Make a decision and stick with it!
• Get Real! People too often have a fantasy about how “perfect” the holidays are going to be. When family members fail to live up to unrealistic expectations, it might be tempting to restrict or overeat in an effort to feel better temporarily. Try to anticipate some of the possible emotional traps in advance so you can cope (and maybe even laugh) when you encounter them.
• ‘Tis the Season to Forgive, so forgive yourself if you have an eating slip.

My 2 cents: For every party you attend, vow to move twice as much as you normally would the next day.

Got a strategy that works for you? Share. It might work for others as well.