Caution: Falling prey to multiple choices

Variety may be the spice of life (and a good way to ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs), but too much variety can spell trouble for your diet. Why? Having too many options can entice your taste buds and tempt you to eat past the point of fullness because you want to keep experiencing the tastes, aromas and textures of different foods.

The fix: Be strategic about your selections. If you're at a buffet, fill half your plate with an assortment of plain veggies, then take only small portions of three or four calorie-dense meats and poultry, pasta and rice dishes that look appealing to you. In other words, think of the heavier offerings as if they were side dishes or condiments, not the main event, then add them to your plate accordingly.

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