We are arriving at a time of celebrations, parties, and family reunions where the center of attention is often the dishes we’ve been waiting for throughout the year. In order to enjoy this special feast, it is important for you to keep in mind the amount of food that makes up a serving, and take control of what’s on your plate.
Many people say November is a month to start gaining weight and January to lose it again. Don't get caught up in this wrong way of thinking! Don’t let a couple of celebrations make you throw away your efforts and the goals you’ve reached during the year. 
To stay on track, it is important for you to visualize the available dishes, and choose the three you like the most.
The key is to pick a meat (beef, chicken, or turkey), a carbohydrate (mashed potatoes, rice, pasta) and a vegetables (salad or a cooked vegetable).
Now, it’s your imagination’s turn:
To determine the right serving size of each food, keep in mind three common objects: a deck of cards, your fist, and the computer’s mouse. Now replace these objects with the three dishes you chose.
Another easy way of visualizing your serving sizes is by placing the vegetables on half your plate, and carbohydrates and meats on one fourth each, as shown in the following illustration:
This way, you will enjoy the celebrations with your familyand friends without giving up your favorite meals. Remember, the key is to watch your serving sizes by using your imagination.
*Nutrition Counselor, MiDieta™
