Five Ways to Eat Healthier [Photo Gallery]

In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, the American Heart Association (AHA) is kicking off a month-long campaign to encourage people to make healthier choices.

The AHA has designated November as Eat Smart Month in an effort to publicize eating healthier at upcoming parties and gatherings.

 “We often rationalize poor eating habits over the holidays with the promise of New Year’s resolutions, but half of the weight people gain this time of year tends to stick around at least until summer,” said Jo Ann Carson, PhD., professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and chair of the AHA’s Nutrition Committee.

To begin the month, the AHA has provided the following five suggestions to keep nutritional goals on track. Click through the slideshow to view the tips.