1. Consume at least 3 meals per day / don't skip meals
During the week, this recommendation is easier to follow since you're more likely to develop a predictable pattern at work regarding what and when you eat. Weekends, on the other hand, are another story. The sky is the limit regarding where, when and if you'll have your meals. Your meal times may be delayed, i.e. "breakfast" at noon, but you should avoid skipping meals at all costs.

2. Bring along non-perishable snacks if traveling
I know, I know, you skipped lunch because you were busy running errands or the mall food court choices appeared less than appetizing, but skipping meals generally leads to overcompensating at the next meal. If you don't have time to stop for lunch, bring lunch with you. Pack a bottle of water, some fruit, a granola or energy bar, even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to keep up your energy level and to tide you over until your next meal. If you're on a road trip, pack a cooler filled with cut up fruit and veggies, sandwiches and drinks so you are not forced to choose meals and snacks at rest stops.

3. Make sensible choices given the circumstances.
Meal times are not the only thing being disrupted on the weekends; your meal choices are also much more variable or out of your control. Breakfast may be at the apartment of your significant other. Lunch may be at the mall. Dinner may be a feast at your folk's house, the local pub, an extravagant cocktail party, your favorite restaurant or who knows where. Make the best choices you can given your circumstances. If you're going to a diner for a big pancake breakfast, try to opt for a lighter lunch and dinner. If you know the restaurant you're going to for dinner carries your favorite cheesecake, don't order a rich main course and go easy on alcohol and appetizers. If at a party, load your plate with lighter choices and take only small helpings of the heavier stuff. It's all about balancing out the "good" with the "bad."

4. Keep yourself busy to prevent mindless snacking
As tempting as it may be to lie around in your PJ's all day watching movies, this type of behavior often leads to mindless snacking. If you're going to spend your day relaxing, make sure your kitchen is stocked with healthy meals and snacks for you to choose. Always portion out your snacks rather than eating directly from the package because you're likely to overeat if you don't keep track of how much you eat. If you find yourself searching for something to eat every hour, chances are you're as relaxed as you're going to get and are actually approaching boredom. When this happens, motivate to take a shower and get out - you've been in the house for too long!

5. Limit alcohol
Weekends are likely to bring socializing which is often accompanied by alcohol. There's nothing wrong with having a drink or two at a party, but remember those calories add up quickly;

12 oz beer is ~ 150 calories 6 oz wine is ~130 calories A rum and Coke is ~ 140 calories

Add the alcohol calories to the high calorie party munchies you're more likely to consume as your inhibitions drop, and we're talking hundreds of extra calories. Not to mention when you do a little too much "celebrating" the night before, you're less likely to sleep well that night because alcohol inhibits a restful sleep. Additionally you're less likely to exercise or be active and you're more likely to crave fatty, salty high calorie meals the next day.

6. Incorporate activity into your plans
The weekends are the best time to go to the gym. Generally they're empty or at least much less crowded than during the week. You won't have to wait for machines or have to wonder whether or not you'll "make the cut" to your favorite classes. If you just can't get yourself to the gym on the weekend, incorporate fun activities into your weekend plans - join a runners club or sports team, go hiking, rollerblading, biking, or skiing, play a game of tennis or golf, dance the night away or play touch football with your kids - any kind of fun activity that you don't have time for during the week. Worst case scenario, you can always give your house or apartment a good cleaning; not exactly fun, but certainly very active.

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