With holiday parties and dinners filling your social calendar, and cookies and cakes filling the conference room at work, you may be stressed about packing on pounds during the holiday season.

According to a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American only gains about one pound during the holiday season. However, researchers have found that most people are unlikely to lose this extra pound after the holidays. So, all that holiday weight will add up!

Gaining weight during the holidays means you’ll have to work even harder to meet your health and fitness goals for the New Year.

But you can enjoy this festive time with friends and family and still stay healthy. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid gaining weight this holiday season.

Eat before you eat. While it seems counterintuitive, eating before you go to a holiday party or dinner can help you avoid weight gain. Many of us are guilty of fasting now so we can feast later, but binging at the buffet is not going to help your waistline! If you go to dinner starving, you’re more likely to overeat. So, enjoy a light, healthy snack at home before you head to your holiday event. And remember, eating small, healthful meals every two to three hours is best any time of the year.

Related Reading: 7 Healthy Eating Tips for Holiday Parties

Serve yourself. Don’t let anyone fix your plate during the holidays. Prepare your own plate and when you do be sure that most of your plate is filled healthful options such as fruits and vegetables.

Related Reading: 10 Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays

Keep moving. Even if you have time off work during the holidays, don’t take time off from your workout, too. Keep exercising regularly. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week, spread throughout the week. Also add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week.

Remember, every day is not a holiday. The researchers of the New England Journal of Medicine study found that the bulk of holiday weight gain occurs in the 10 days following Christmas. So, be sure that you only allow yourself a cheat day on Christmas Day (and perhaps Christmas Eve) and then get back to your healthy eating habits.

Stay hydrated. Continue to drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. Drinking water helps boost your metabolism and helps stave off cravings.

If you need more help managing your weight this holiday season and beyond, MiBella Wellness is here for you. Call today to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Mia!