The holidays are here again, and so are the dinners, buffets and parties that come along with the season! Top it off with the endless amounts of cookies, candy and pies – it’s no wonder the holidays are when most of us gain a few extra pounds!

The holidays are a struggle for those of us trying to lose weight and can be just as hard for those of us trying to maintain our current weight. Here are some tips to enjoy your holiday season in a healthier way:

Talk about it! Remember that you are not the only one battling holiday weight gain. Get the support of your family and friends.

Keep yourself honest. Keep a food journal. Write down what and how much you eat as soon as you can after eating. Don’t get obsessed with the task, but documenting it helps you remember what you ate and find out what healthy foods are missing in your diet.

Continue regular exercise. Exercise prevents weight gain and relieves holiday stress. Even a brisk 10 – 15 minute walk each day is beneficial. Plan group activities around exercises such as sledding, ice skating or making a snowman.

Prevent overeating. Avoid skipping meals with the idea that you can eat more at a party. Instead, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or fruit before leaving for a party so you'll be less likely to overindulge.

Bring a healthy option. Going to a party? Volunteer to bring a fruit and veggie tray. By providing guests with healthy alternatives, you are serving as a role model to your family and friends. 

Keep an eye on portion sizes. Eat in moderation without depriving yourself of holiday favorites. Take a little of everything – sometimes a taste is all you need to avoid cravings later.

Don’t stay glued to the food. Don’t hover near the buffet table. Mingle with friends or hit the dance floor. Also, if you’re serving dinner, try doing it buffet style so everyone can take the portions they are most comfortable with.

Avoid alcohol. It is packed with calories, stimulates the appetite and lowers your resistance to impulse eating. If you do drink, choose light beer and wine rather than mixed drinks that can add up to 500 calories per drink.

Socialize! Engage in conversation away from the buffet table so you are not tempted to nibble constantly. Remember, the holidays are about friends and family, not just food.

Go shopping. Walking through stores for an hour burns as much as 275 calories for a person weighing about 145 pounds. Taking the stairs instead of the escalator burns even more calories.

Be prepared. While you are out running errands or shopping, carry healthy snacks with you to ward off a fast food snack attack! Try low-fat cheese, high-fiber crackers, nuts, raw veggies and bottled water.