It’s winter time and still cold and gray. The big holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year are over, but some of us haven’t weaned ourselves from holiday sweets and alcohol that crept into our daily and weekly menus. And now Valentine’s Day chocolates are on the horizon, not to mention Super Bowl, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parties.

Whether you’re slogging through your pre-op diet or you're trying to maximize your post-op weight losses or you're at goal and trying to figure out maintenance or you're a long-time WLS veteran – how do you stop occasional treats or variations from your normal eating routine from turning into daily bad habits?

Specifically, what are some victories you’ve had in cleaning up your eating act?

Because I have a house full of teens, it isn't always easy for me to simply not have tempting food in the cupboards. One thing I have done is cleared space just for my food. I have a shelf in the fridge, and one cupboard that's mine. I try to keep a pretty good variety so I don't get too burned out on any one thing.

I simply don't allow the bad treats in my house. I don't buy anything that's not a healthy food choice. I will indulge if a client bakes us something at work, but it doesn't go home with me. I will eat crap on vacation, but knowing I will be back to basics as soon as I return home. I may grab a couple fries off of a friend's plate but never order them myself. I may take a couple bites of dessert at a party but that's it.

I actually "excercise" my willpower by purposely wandering the bakery section and candy aisles at the store. I read labels, I drool at the prospect of stuffing a chocolate eclair in my mouth. And then I don't. I walk out if the store with my Protein, veggies and sense of accomplishment. Like someone else said its a lot easier to say no once at the store than having to say it a hundred times at home.

Sometimes even the "good" treats can get out of hand, so again, I will get them out of my house. Peanut Butter, nuts, chocolate mint power crunch bars and Chobani flips were all Snacks I used to eat but started to eat in excess so I no longer buy them. Moderation is the key for me.

Just don't do it.....ever.....