Sidestep Slippery Situations

Life happens. And it's not always considerate of your weight loss endeavors."Willpower is not inexhaustible," says James Hill, executive director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center at the University of Colorado. Better to count on willpower wavering, and strategize navigating what could otherwise be fattening moments. Here's some tips on how to sidestep the top five slippery situations.

1) Vacation
Problem - You want to experience the local cuisine, but not at the expense of your waistline.
Solution - Denial can backfire. Instead of passing up a Parisian bakery, share one dessert among friends. "Go for it," advises Frances Largeman-Roth, a registered dietitian and senior food and nutrition editor at Health magazine.

2) Post Break-up
Problem - You swear that Ben and Jerry are the only men you can trust. Bring on the pint of ice cream!
Solution - "Instead of meeting your friend for a drink to dish about your ex, meet up for a power walk or run," Largeman-Roth advises. Or throw in with a local group training for a 5k. Get involved in activities that will allow you to meet new people without being food-centric!

3) Party with Delish Food
Problem - It's free. And it's in your face.
Solution - Don't arrive famished. Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNN Health's diet and fitness expert, suggests eating before going. And nurse your drink(s). Resisting food when sober is hard enough, without being tipsy.

4) Watching TV
Problem - You're distracted and by show's end, the entire bag of potato chips is gone.
Solution - Portion out a single serving before you plop down. Or, as Largeman-Roth suggests, stock up on healthy snacks. Frozen grapes or veggies with a yogurt-based dip.

5) Buffet or Large-portion Restaurant
Problem - Buffets offer limitless food - generally calorie-laden. And restaurant portions these days are enough to feed multiple mouths (but easily go into just yours).
Solution - Avoid buffets, Hill advises. If you have no choice, sit facing away from the food. Jampolis says people who do this in studies eat less. Stack up on fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. And share a dessert.

In a large-portion restaurant? Ask the server to bring half your food on the plate, and half in a doggy bag. Or share a meal with a friend.