(HealthScoutNews) -- Trying to eat sensibly during the holiday party season can be especially challenging. Not only do you have to have an iron will to resist all that delicious food, you may be seen by others as being a bit of a downer.

Here are some suggestions from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center on how to eat healthy during festive celebrations and how to get social support for it.

Talk to your friends about the dietary changes you're making. You'll probably get their support, and your example may even encourage them to switch to healthy eating.

Bring your own food to parties. If you're at a house party, offer to bring a healthy main serving or a side dish. By bringing healthy food to parties, you can be part of the social eating without having to sacrifice your healthy diet.

Watch your portions. Sample very small portions of the food being offered. That way, you'll be able to comment on the food without overindulging.

Plan ahead for holiday parties and events. If you're booked to attend a function, budget your food intake. For example, if you're trying to cut down on fat intake, decrease your fat consumption even more for two to three days before the event. That way you can eat some more fatty items at the event and not feel guilty about it.

Have the party at your place. That way, you have control over the food being served.

More information

Here's where to find more about healthy holiday eating.

Reference Source 101

For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick Prevention Resources".