Do not go visiting on an empty stomach. Eat a proper meal before visiting to prevent the munchies from attacking.

Prioritise your favourite snacks and stick to eating only the top three, rather than trying every snack served.

Select your treats and put them in a small bowl and eat only those. Do not refill.

Savour every mouthful by chewing slowly. This means you will exercise control when eating and won’t gorge down multiple treats at one go.

Plan to visit houses in the same area on the same day and try to walk from place to place to burn some calories.

Opt for healthier snacks such as Mandarin oranges. If you must snack on high-calorie items, choose those without nuts, chocolate or other extra toppings.

Watch out for empty calories in sugar-laden soft drinks. Choose water or sugar-free tea instead.

Remember to socialise. Stay away from the food tables and focus your energy on catching up with your loved ones.

Even if you can only spare 15 minutes, balance all the eating and socialising you’re doing with a little light exercise. Look at your events and plan something that will fit around them, otherwise you’ll never find the time.

If your reunion dinner is being held at your house this year, always send people home with leftovers so you’re not stuck with lots of food you’re tempted to eat or feel bad about wasting.

(Text: bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting: Natalya Molok)