Everybody loves a party, especially during the Super Bowl! Nachos, chili, beer and just about every other form of a canned processed food will be flowing and you’ll lay witness to your friend gorging themselves tomorrow while watching the Steelers & Cardinals go at it.

It’s going to be tempting to cheat during the Super Bowl with an extra beer or a plate of 300 calorie a piece hot wings, however, those with a resolution to stay fit and eat healthier need to learn to say ‘no’ to those tasty delicacies the next time we get festive.

Maintaining your weight requires dedication to keep the calorie intake low. Retaining your high energy also demands that you eat nutritious and wholesome foods. It is important to remember this fact even when you are around a lot of tasty but nutrition-less foods and beverages at a get-together. When you go to your next party, remember these ten helpful tips to keep you from straying from the healthy path.

1. Eat something substantial before you go to the party. You may think that cutting meals the day of the party will allow you to eat what you want at the party with no guilt. But, this is not such a good idea. You may end up starving and eating a whole lot of food that is not healthy. Instead of skipping meals that day, eat normally. Then, about an hour before the party, eat some fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, vegetables or bran cereal. This will fill you up and when you arrive, you can eat light.
2. Drink lots of water. To avoid eating and drinking too much, drink a glass of water before hitting the party. Then, while you are at the get-together, continue drinking lots of it throughout the evening. This will not only keep you hydrated, it will help you feel less hungry and thirsty. Also, if you have a couple of glasses before drinking alcohol and between cocktails, it will slow down your alcohol intake. Read up on some non-alcoholic and healthy drinks.
3. Control your portions. Look at your available choices and select one thing that you really love, no matter how decadent. But, instead of heaping on a ton of all the other things you love, fill up the rest of your plate with vegetables and fruits. This will fill you up and keep you from overindulging in the things you should not indulge in.
4. Take it slow. Limit yourself in terms of the amount of food and drinks you consume. Instead of hitting the bar the minute you walk in the party, grab a glass of water and chat awhile. Rather than eating everything in sight, nibble a few edibles. Keep the pace slow and even throughout the night.
5. Steer clear of the buffet. No matter how tempting it may be to stand near the buffet and nibble throughout the night, stay away from it as much as possible. Sure, you should take a few of your favorite things to nibble on them but just keep this type of snacking down to a minimum.
6. Set a limit for yourself in advance of the party. For example, you might say it is going to be a two-plate and two-drink party. That way, by setting your goals for the evening, you know what you can have in advance and you keep to your plan.
7. Enjoy a salad before the meal. If it is a dinner party, eat a big, healthy salad before the main course. This will fill you up and make you feel less deprived if you have to skip dessert.
8. Get the menu in advance. You can ask the host or hostess what will be served and decide before you arrive what you will eat. This will simplify things and keep you from overdoing it. This way you can also plan around what your friends are serving, and if they’re not serving healthy foods you can bring your own (the next step).
9. Take your own food to the party. If it is going to be a buffet-style affair or a potluck dinner, bring whatever low-calorie, delicious food you enjoy. Then, you know you can eat your own dish and be safe.
10. Focus on the social aspect of the gathering. Rather than allowing food and drink to be your focus, set your sights on the people you are with. Fill the evening with conversation and meaningful interactions. This will help you keep away from the more gluttonous aspects of the get-together. Remember, the Super Bowl is the championship game for well disciplined professional athletes. Do you think Larry Fitzgerald is filling up with Cheese Whiz and Miller Lites at half time? No he’s not, and neither should you!