The next time something fabulous happens like you get promoted, or your daughter makes the cheerleading team or you were able to buy one of those watches you always want. Be creative and invent a new kind of feel-good ritual. So, instead of treating yourself to a special dinner with your husband, take an afternoon off and spend it with him while wearing your new watch. To recognize your daughter’s accomplishment, join her in an activity like skating or biking. Begin to retrain your brain to celebrate without food.

You can also plan ahead like developing a popcorn strategy, could save you from eating an entire bag at the movies.

You should learn how to party. If there are hors d’oeuvres, choose two of your favorites and one should be veggie. Then, eat just those items. Research shows that people who rely on a few diet staples are more likely to keep weight off than those who vary their food. To prevent mindless grazing, stay more than an arm’s length away from any snack bowls. And if you get a good conversation going, put your plate down. The more you focus on people, the more distracted you get, and the more you tend to eat.

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