Birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations should be happy times, but they can often cause extra stress. You want to eat the same food as everybody else, and it can be embarrassing to be left out.

Parties

If there is a party at school or someone's home, you can take some snacks that everyone can eat (e.g. a fresh fruit or vegetable tray, pretzels, air-popped popcorn).

Choose water. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, sports drinks, and alcohol.

Holidays

Take the focus off candy and other holiday-themed treats. New traditions can be made by paying more attention to holiday activities rather than food. For example, apple-picking on Halloween, decorating the Christmas tree, playing volleyball or Frisbee on the 4th of July, and so on.

Going Out to Eat

Many restaurants post their menus online. Be prepared to make a healthy choice.

Portions might be too large. Half of the entrée can be boxed up at the beginning of the meal and taken home for later. Or share with a friend.

Watch out for high calorie high carbohydrate beverages such as coffee specialties and smoothies. Choose water, plain coffee, or unsweetened tea.