Healthy tips for food-filled events

Now that I'm on this healthy eating kick, I get a little worried about what I'll eat at food-filled events. I got lucky the other night at a neighbor's Halloween party -- turkey chili and fruit salad were on the menu, and I got to fill up on both of these nutritious treats. But what will I do when faced with a more questionable menu? Discovery Health has some answers.

• At birthday parties, experts say we need to learn to enjoy ourselves without going overboard. They invite us to go for the gusto and have a piece of cake with ice cream. They key is eating slowly and savoring the experience. A good idea: Try putting your fork down at least three times and taking 10 breaths between bites.

• When eating out, remember that restaurant portions are typically way too big. Before you dive into your starchy items (rice, pasta, potato), cut it by one-third to one-half and eat only what remains.

• Wherever you go, watch out for the bread. One daily serving of a whole-grain or multi-grain bread is all you need.

• Avoid the buffet if you don't know when to say "no." If you do belly up to the food bar, take only small servings of a few foods, use a smaller plate, and limit yourself to one serving.

• Exercise before you head to your event. It's like money in the bank because it frees up some calories to spend.

There's more where these tips came from. Just journey over here to learn why you should: never leave home hungry, call ahead before attending an event, pack your own food, watch your alcohol intake, and share your desserts.