How to handle common diet dilemmas

>>> this morning on "take it off today," diet dilemmas, especially now during the holidays. eating and drinking habits are never one size fits all and here to weigh in some tips and solutions is our diet expect. madeline, good morning.

>> good morning.

>> first they come from stories about your patients. the first one is about finding candy in your kid's room.

>> first dilemma, while tidying up your 10-year-old daughter's room you find wrappers and candy hidden under the bed. do you ignore it? do you confront her about it? do you ask your what you might be doing to make her nuclear streets? do you worry she will be obese?

>> what do you do?

>> i would question why is she hiding food. i think you have to ask in a nice way why she feels the need to sneak the candy. also, you know, you're concerned not just about weight, but i think it's more about, you know, just having candy at night before bedtime, teeth, all of that.

>> mom won't know. from the dad's perspective, if i do this and hide it mom won't know and i'll still be the perfect child.

>> there's a little guilt through the dad. i have two young kids and you're sneaking them a little something, you shouldn't do it because you go against the mom. mom said i couldn't have that snickers bar and slide it to her so you've got to be responsible yourself, too.

>> think about your own behaviors. don't jump to something.

>> pressure to break your diet.

>> right. here you have dilemma number two. your partner likes a glass or two of wine every day and encourages you to detroit red wing too.

>> that's my husband.

>> you're watching calories and would rather eat your calories than drink them. what do you do? tell him to leave you alone and stop pressuring you? try explaining your calorie counting plan to him or just join women with a seltzer and lime?

>> i try the seltzer and lime, it's hard to resist a little bit or a little taste of wine. just a little bit.

>> you're getting hazed by your husband.

>> i know.

>> drink, drink.

>> he's like share a glass of wine with me. it's a social thing. you want to just -- when the kids are to bed, just relax and have our time together so you need to have that time but would i say if you can subs tutitute with seltzer, it's not the same thing or hot tea like i do.

>> nobody likes to drink alone but don't pressure your spouse to drink with you.

>> that's the spouse's problem. look, if you want a glass of wine or even if it's with food during dinner, you do what's good for you. natalie, indulging now and then. not the worst thing in the world.

>> a little bit. good for the relationship, right? the next one is about yo-yo dieting, don't we all know about this one.

>> a really tough one. your friend always tries the newest diet craze. would you like her to stick to a solid life still plan like you do. when she asks for your input, what do you do? just be supportive and encouraging? speak your mind about wacky detox plans and expensive shakes or help her identify a long-term plan and help her stick to it? is this really your problem to address?

>> try to motivate her. when i'm having friends dieting, i'm going for a run, want to come with me. try to get them to embrace a lifestyle change.

>> willie, lifestyle change, they want your approval. do you approve, if it's health damaging, do you say, that's --

>> we have only ten seconds.

>> be a supportive friend and know your friendship.

>> madeline, thanks.

>> thank you.

>> kathie lee and hoda next, but first your local news.