Everywhere we look there are savory food temptations ready to derail our healthy food intentions. My personal struggle during the holidays is homemade Italian cookies as I outlined last week.

[Candy canes don't do it for me anymore. I prefer sophisticated sugar treats now that I'm a big boy:)]

Just say no to the goodies? Ha, not likely, and I think I speak for the majority of us. So how exactly can we survive the holiday food traps and not swell up like a balloon?

Try these useful tricks to help keep your sanity and more importantly the excess pounds off and make one less resolution (weight loss) in 2010.

In the workplace

Be a sport – When your colleague whips around the corner with a platter of cookies he or she slaved over last night just take a treat and smile. No need to stand on your health and fitness soap box. Save the desert for after lunch or take it home to enjoy after dinner.

See-food – We’re all much more likely to eat that sugar bomb of a cookie if we see it across the room. Studies have confirmed that ‘seeing’ food is a strong cue to eating food. If you’re bringing food into the workplace then go with an opaque holiday cookie tin to store those unwanted calories. Out of sight, out of mind.

At a party

Pre-eating – You’ve heard of pre-drinking, well now there’s pre-eating! Eat something beforehand so you don’t arrive at a party hungry. And once you arrive, don’t stand next to that shrimp ring or the Swedish meatballs. Keep moving and mingling and you’ll find it much easier to not eat more than one from each party platter.

Skip Pre-drinking – By now you should know that alcoholic beverages are drenched in calories so exercise caution (pardon the pun). Cutting back on soda is always a good idea too. The alternative: Water, especially before you hit food table.

Various studies have shown it takes the body and brain approximately 20 minutes to recognize satiation. I like drinking a large glass of water before meals because it helps me feel full sooner and therefore I eat less.

In Your Home

Downsize the table setting – Smaller plates and bowls have been proven to curb calorie intake. For an interesting read check out The 9-Inch Diet. It’s amazing what people will sub-consciously do with different shaped plates and glasses.

Sharing and giving – If you have leftover cookies or other treats, send them to your kids’ school, your workplace, or better yet take them to a homeless or retirement center. Somewhere someone will appreciate the kind gesture and it’s really what the season is all about anyways.

Happy Holidays with health and happiness to all in 2010.