In spite of all the bad news lately, like all of us here at Beauty Collection we suspect you probably have many reasons to be thankful this year including your friends, your family, your job, your health… even your ability to fit into your favorite jeans. Most days, it’s the little things that bring us happiness, right?

As we move into the weight-gaining, waist-expanding final two months of the year, we’d like to encourage you to enjoy yourself to the fullest… while not going overboard and doing anything you’re sure to regret.

Here are 9 tips to keep you in your current jeans. We know, we know it’s tempting to veer off course and adopt the “I’ll diet next year” mentality, but if you’re like most… you’ll find yourself a little less able to be happy and appreciate
the important things if you do.

1. Don’t Fast Before the Big Meal
It’s a sure way to guarantee you’ll overeat

2 Plan your Meals Before and After
Eat a little less a few days before and after to give your body a little jiggle – sorry, we mean “wiggle” – room.

3 Use a Smaller Plate
As your mother always said, “clean your plate,” so choose a small plate and you’re guaranteed to eat less.

4 Don’t Deprive Yourself
Enjoy everything, including your aunt’s famous marshmallow salad.

5 Do Make Smart Trade-Offs
For example, if you want dessert, try skipping the bread.

6 Eat Slowly
Another one your mom probably taught you, it takes 15 minutes to start feeling full. So slow down.

7 Be Careful with the Second Helpings
If you do go back for more, go for turkey, ham and vegetables.

8 Take a Walk Instead of a Seat
This is an old-fashioned tradition that’s fallen out of favor in an era of home theater systems and plasma screen TVs.

9 Send the leftovers with your guests
Do yourself a favor and throw out leftover desserts that don’t go home with somebody else.

Finally, if you begin the holidays with the best of intentions and completely blow it, you really can take it off next year. We just know you’ll be happier if you don’t have to.