Bethenny Delivers Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

The holidays have a sneaky habit of slimming your wallet while expanding your waist, but Bethenny Frankel has some tips that might help you buck that trend.

"You know what always happens during the holidays: treats are everywhere and you think, 'Since I've had one, I should go ahead and eat them all," the healthy lifestyle enthusiast blogs. "This is when it gets out of control.  There is no need to treat the holidays differently than the rest of the year, but do have a strategy for handling them."

Ready for your game plan? For starters, avoid Christmas cookie overload. "Pack one or two healthy snacks to bring to the office so you won't be so tempted by the pile of cookies in the kitchen," B advises. Next, eat before hitting the office party circuit. "If you eat a 200-calorie high-protein snack before a party, like hummus and pita chips, you won't grab for the hors d’oeuvres as soon as you arrive because you've starved yourself." But if your fingers do wander, Bethenny suggests reaching for the red peppers, shrimp, and broccoli to satisfy without overstuffing.

And while you're burning calories running from one end of the mall to the other, don't get thrown off-course by whiffs from the food court. "You are shopping all day long in a mall or running around town and fast food options are everywhere.  You may be starving, but instead of grabbing for the cheap and easy, try packing some whole grain and fruit options to keep you satisfied throughout the day."

Get more smart seasonal tips from Mrs. Hoppy at Bethenny.com.