Don't lose track of your goals

It's almost Easter. When most of us go around family, food traps pop up everywhere. Healthy eating gets thrown out the window. Our hard work with our exercise might as well go on sabbatical. It doesn't have to be this way, however. We can cleverly dodge these food traps and stay on our healthy diets. And, I'm going to show you exactly how to do it.

First, beware of the dessert buffet. You know what this is. This is a kitchen island, counter or table with dozens of desserts to feast the eyes. Grandma's peach pie, your sister's pumpkin bars and your mother's coconut cake. Sure, you want a piece of each. What we forget, however, is that each piece we eat accounts for around 100 or more calories. If there is a regular-sized cookie, opt for that. This is usually less than 100 calories. If you eat more than dessert, consider the fact that you'll have to be at the gym a longer period of time just to burn it off.

Another food trap is eating with others. We tend to eat more than when we eat by ourselves. Consider this scenario. Everyone is gathered around the holiday table. Then, suddenly, Johnny gets up for seconds. Soon you follow to see what you can find. Would you get seconds if you were alone in your apartment? And, even if you're a faster eater, you eat slower around others. This is mostly out of politeness. You finish eating after the last person at the table has finished. Ask yourself if you're really hungry or just being influenced by others to eat.

In addition, we might not consider music around holiday dinners. Face-paced music increases our eating speed, while slow-paced music slows us down. Usually people sit at the table longer when there is slow-paced music playing. Try eating without any music at all. Or, remove your plate after you feel full. Otherwise you will keep picking at it and be more inclined to overeat.

The location of your food also makes a big difference. When a platter sits right in front of you, it causes you to eat more of it. Rather, when the food is further away, this makes people work harder to get it. They are less inclined to eat it if they have to make an effort. To avoid this, keep treats out of sight. Or, replace them with healthy snacks that people want to grab. This way you are consuming less fat and more nutrition.

Finally, if your family gathering takes place at a restaurant, don't let others influence what you order. If you hear others order burgers, steaks and boneless wings, don't feel obligated to get the same. Stick to the healthy option you picked out on the menu that comes with steamed vegetables and a salad. Commit to what your order. Don't let the others pressure you into getting an unhealthy dish. It's your job to stay on the track of healthy eating; so power on and keep encouraging yourself to do it.