In partnership with goodnessknows. The months to come involve some of my favorite holiday traditions from baking cookies to extravagant Thanksgiving dinners. During this time of year, keeping weight in check is challenging for people like me. Smart snacking becomes more important than ever.

Here’s some good news. The fabulous snack squares I’ve been telling you about called goodnessknows are now labeled as gluten-free. I can tolerate gluten just fine and so can the rest of my family. However, I’ve learned over time that I don’t feel at my best when I have too much so I do make an effort to moderate it. With more of our house guests facing celiac and other gluten intolerances, it’s also good to know what we can offer them as a snack.

Speaking of snacks, here’s how to snack well during the upcoming holiday season.

Tips for Smart Snacking During the Holidays

Use Small Plates

If you’re going to snack, reach for a small plate instead of a larger one. For some reason, we are more satisfied after finishing a plate, regardless of its size. Studies have also shown that you also tend to serve yourself less on a smaller plate.

Snack Before Parties

Have a healthy snack before holiday parties to prevent from overdoing it at the buffet because hunger strikes.

Snack Before the Mall

Do not try to tackle holiday shopping on an empty stomach. Not only will you be irritable and not able to think clearly (important for deciding on gifts), but you might be tempted to hit the food court or cupcake cart unnecessarily. You could also plan a shopping route that avoids popular spots.

Stay and Arm’s Length (or More) Away from Food

Don’t socialize near the buffet or dessert table. Avoid temptation by keeping a comfortable distance.

Keep Good Snacks at the Ready

Tips for smart holiday snacking.

All of this aside, as I’ve been eating goodnessknows snack squares for months now, they are one of the best snacks I can eat in between meal times. To give you an idea, I need a little pick-me-up before a 10:30 a.m. bootcamp because I probably ate breakfast at 7:00 a.m. or earlier. And, I have to snack smartly otherwise I simply don’t have the energy to make it through the class. With the goodness of whole nuts, real fruit, toasted oats, dark chocolate AND no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, going gluten-free is just another small step goodnessknows snack squares is taking to go from good to great. Anyway, look around for goodnessknows snack squares in their new box labeled gluten free. My favorite is the apple, almond & peanut dark chocolate.