Everyone you visit offers you tempting treats and no doubt you have more than enough food at home to sink a battleship for the visitors you get. And the food doesn't always stay "just for guests" once it calls your name from the cupboard.

But if you want to avoid regret with even more pounds to lose by January then you need to be stronger than ever.

1. Daily reminder

Every day remind yourself of your reasons for losing weight. Why do you you want this? Why is that important to you? Ask yourself whether any temporary pleasure from food is worth the regret you will feel at going backwards in your plan.

2. Set an intention

Before every meal set an intention that you will enjoy it and have what you want but that you will eat just enough to satisfy your hunger and no more.

3. Enjoy the special foods

Don't deny yourself your favourites but have just a little of those things which you know are full of calories. Enjoy a little as much as a lot by eating the food slowly and really tasting it.

4. Stock up

Treat yourself to some healthy foods that you might not normally buy, such as smoked lean meats and fish, exotic fruits and vegetables, caviar. Make food special without the calories so that you don't feel deprived at all.

5. Quality not quantity

Buy the very best of everything you can afford and savour it. If you're going to buy chocolate get a small box of handmade exquisite Belgian chocolates and not a multi-pack of cheap chocolate bars. That way you really feel you are celebrating in style but you won't go too overboard.

6. Make a Game of "No"

If you tend to eat just because food is offered without even thinking about it, now is a great time to practise saying "No thanks not just now" or even "Thanks - I'll take a piece for later" because food will be offered everywhere you go! Look at this like a game you are playing and keep your score. How many times can you say "no" in December?

7. Deal with lapses

If you over-indulge at any time, don't abandon all hope and give up until the party season is over. One meal won't do much damage - after all you have to eat an additional 3500 calories to gain a pound. It's when you do this day in day out for the whole period that you start piling on the pounds. So just get right back on track and start again at the very next meal - eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full.

8. Keep up your exercise

Even if you're too busy to go to the gym, do a little every day at home. Even 10 minutes walking or stair-stepping a day will help remind you that you are taking active steps towards your goal and will help you avoid thoughts of giving up for the month. If you can fit in several sessions through the day so much the better. When you keep as active as possible as you go about your day you will be gently reminding yourself that you care about your shape and your health and it will be easier to keep things in check.

9. Looking good

Wear your nicest clothes throughout the period. Make the effort with your hair, nails and makeup and show yourself that you deserve the very best. Instead of giving yourself food as a reward or when you you need cheering up, give yourself the best possible care and attention.

10. Gift of health

If you have a tradition of giving presents in December (or even if you don't) ask for or treat yourself to a few gifts that will help motivate you. An exercise video, a voucher for a personal trainer or a piece of home gym equipment ( such as a rebounder, step or balance ball) are great to help kick start a new exercise plan.

Copyright 2005,  Janice Elizabeth Small