Day 12: Keep Your Distance from the Buffet

It’s only natural to congregate around food. But when you plant yourself next to the buffet table or hors-d’oeuvre station, your risk of overeating skyrockets. “It’s like watching TV with a bag of chips in your lap — you keep grabbing for food regardless of whether you’re actually hungry or not,” says Susan Kleiner, PhD, R.D., author of The Powerfood Nutrition Plan. The fact that most holiday offerings are chock full of empty calories only makes the situation worse. “Work the room instead of sampling and re-sampling every dish in the buffet,” says Kleiner. “That’s the point of going to a party anyway — to socialize.”

For more 31 Days of Fitness tips, check here for a new one every day in December.