by Beverly Johnson: Beauty Editor For Beauty Boutique and Free tips for skin care Beauty Blog

Parties can be lots of fun--a wonderful chance to forget about the stresses of life, reconnect with friends and have a good time.

But, for dieters they can turn into a nightmare.

Just one look at all those mountains of mashed potatos and fried chicken, chips and dips, and loads of gooey chocolate deserts is enough to melt any dieters will power!

Who wouldn't want to indulge?

Attending a party doesn't have to spell diet disaster though.

Try these simple suggestons and you too, you can enjoy any party in style, without giving into temptation.

1. If you show up hungry to a party, you'll end up eating foods you really don't want. Grab a bite to eat on the way out the door.  A bowl of soup or tasty raisin bran cereal with fruit will fill the empty spots in your stomach making you feel full for hours.  The more full your stomach feels, the less chance of indulging in party treats.

2. Once you arrive at the party, you'll be tempted to hit the buffet table. Instead, mingle and see if you can find friends. There's usually plenty to do at parties besides eating.

3. Hydrate well: A glass of chilled water will take away the urge to over eat and help you keep your cool in the face of so many diet no-no's.

4. If you decide to eat, fill your plate with low calorie vegetable selections and then place your low fat shrimp or broiled chicken breast selection on top of that, to make your plate look more full.

5. Leave the fried, fatty foods on the table.  Avoid chips and dips, and go for foods that won't leave you with a guilty feeling in the morning.  Don't hang out near the buffet table. All those yummy food smells may be just enough to break your will powe.

Decide what you want and leave.

6. Don't eat anything you don't want.  If your hostess offers you a slice of creamy chocolate cheesecake don't feel pressured to eat. She's just being polite and probably doesn't realize that she's about to ruin your diet. Just smile politely and say, "No Thanks, I'm allergic to sugar."

Whatever excuse you give, don't be afraid to turn down the offer. It's your waist line, not hers.

7. Watch your mouth!  It's easier to pop hundreds of extra calories into your mouth if you're not looking at your plate.  Your brain just sort of goes on auto-pilot and lets your stomach take over.  Stay focused on your food.

8. Once you're done, pick up a glass and make some new friends.  Make sure both hands are full, (i.e. purse in one hand, and glass of punch in the other), otherwise, someone will offer you food.

9.  If you really feel you will be tempted, try an all natural appetite suppressant like Hoodia Gordonii.   This powerful craving killer will put you back in control of what goes into your mouth, without bringing on the jitters.

10.  Get up and dance! Parties can be a great opportunity to burn calories. So, let your hair down and boogey.

Don't worry about looking goofy, at least you'll walk away from the experience with a few great pictures.

If you're having fun, and staying active, you won't even think of splurging on tempting party foods.

Parties can be a great way to get back into the social circuit. They can help you break out of your same old boring routine. But, thy can also hinder your diet progress.

Use your party experience to feed your spirit not your stomach. Expand your social circle, break out of your bubble and have some fun...reconnect with yourself, not food.

Helpful Weight loss links:

Easy ways to control cravings

Oprah Loves Hoodia!  But is it right for you? Find out all the facts on Hoodia Gordinii here.