I LOVE holiday parties.  More than birthday parties, Canada Day parties, baby showers, bridal showers (really, who enjoys the latter two?) and any other party. This time of year is instantly more magical. You can go a little over the top with your clothes and makeup without looking (too) crazy and the idea of the year drawing to a close is so entirely romantic. But what's not so sexy and gorgeous is the bloating and extra layer of fat around the waistline that tends to accumulate with the overindulgence. And who can blame you? Candy cane martinis, red velvet brownies, goat-cheese stuffed pastries and shortbread are so enticing, and the treats are the most tricked-out they've been all year.

5 ways my waistline will survive holiday parties 1.Always drink plenty of water before, during and after the event. 2. Have a protein dense snack before you cruise to the party. Since I'm still keeping it Paleo, I'll do a handful of almonds or walnuts with a shiny green apple or a few slices of turkey with some cheesy* kale chips. 3. If something looks unbelievably amazing, JUST EAT IT. And let the guilt go. No one ever got fat eating a nibble of chocolate bark. A truckload of the bark, maybe. Sometimes meals just don't feel right without a sweet at the end of the night. 4. Where possible, sit down while you eat, like you would a proper meal at home. When I'm eating and standing, I have no idea when to activate my shut-off valve. I tend to let it all go down the trough, taking no accountability for the food I'm ingesting. The idea behind the Sit Down Diet is that you'll practice mindful eating, which will in turn lead to fewer calories ingested. 5. If you are absolutely starving, have no where to sit and they are only serving booze, choose protein and fruit/vegetables over sodium-soaked carbs. At least you'll remain full until you get home—and sit down to a more fulfilling snack. How to you ward-off weight gain during the holidays? Leave a comment below! *The cheese flavour is care of nutritional yeast; sounds nasty, but truly tastes like authentic cheese.