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If there is anything as certain as death and taxes it is that getting through the holidays without gaining weight is always a challenge. Between cookies and parties and stockings full of tasty treats, this month is packed with opportunities to eat a lot of the wrong things. But with some simple tips and tricks, you can get through the holiday season without putting on any extra pounds.

1. Downsize

If you make a bunch of cookies, you can freeze half, keep a few for yourself, and give the rest away. If someone gives you one of those fancy boxes of chocolates, take out to or three pieces you really want and then pass the box around the office to share the holiday spirit.

2. Eat, Don’t Snack

One of the easiest ways to eat more calories than we plan to is to eat a little of this and a little of that while standing around and schmoozing at a party or event. Instead of snacking your way to a wider waistline, grab a plate and a seat. Filling a small plate with food and sitting down to eat it will let you partake in the party fare without running the risk of overeating.

3. Eat Before You Go

Experts agree you should never go grocery shopping when you are hungry and adopting the same rule for holiday parties can help you get through season without gaining weight. Have a light, healthy meal before you head out and you will be less tempted to eat everything on the table. Then you can be very selective about which treats you really want to eat so you won’t feel like you are depriving yourself.

4. Set a Two Drink Max

Another way we put on weight during the holiday season is by overindulging in alcohol. It’s easy to forget how many calories we are drinking them, especially if we are drinking a lot. Limiting the number of drinks will also help you keep from overeating as alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes it more likely that you won’t stick to your plan for eating healthy this season.

5. Shift the Focus

If you generally spend your time hanging around the buffet table, make it a point to shift your focus to something else at the party. Spend your time socializing, dancing, singing, or doing whatever else there is to do at the party besides stand next to the buffet table and eat.

6. Stop Snitching!

Many of us do more baking during the holidays than we do during the rest of the year and snitching a little dough here and a little batter there can add up to a lot of extra calories. Instead of snitching while you are cooking, wait until the treats are done and savor the results of your hard work.

With these tips and tricks, you can easily get through the holiday season without adding any extra weight and without feeling like you are missing out on the tastiest treats of the season.

Related Articles: 

• 8 Tips to Go Gluten Free for the Holidays (fillyourplate.org)
• How to Celebrate the Holidays- Arizona Style (fillyourplate.org)
• Celebrate the Holidays With Apples (fillyourplate.org)