The holiday season can be a tough time when it comes to keeping your healthy eating habits on track. With so many parties, dinners, and events, it’s easy to indulge in all the delicious food and drinks that come with the festivities.

However, with a little planning and effort, you can still enjoy the holidays without packing on the pounds. Here are 30 tips to keep the holiday pounds off:.

1. Plan Ahead

Before heading out to holiday events, make a plan. Decide how many drinks and how much food you will consume, and stick to it. Avoid going to a party on an empty stomach, as you’re more likely to overeat.

Instead, have a small snack beforehand to take the edge off your hunger.

2. Choose Wisely

When it comes to holiday party food, go for the healthier options such as vegetables, fruit, and grilled meats. Avoid fried or creamy dishes, which are often high in fat and calories.

Be mindful of portion sizes, and try to eat slowly to give your brain time to register when you’re full.

3. Don’t Skip Meals

Skipping meals in anticipation of a big holiday feast can be a recipe for disaster. When you’re overly hungry, you’re more likely to binge on unhealthy foods and eat more than you would have if you had eaten a regular meal beforehand.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel full and prevent overeating. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate you and cause you to retain water, which can make you feel bloated and increase your weight temporarily.

5. Watch your Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is high in calories, so be mindful of how much you’re drinking. Choose low-calorie options such as wine or light beer, and avoid sugary cocktails or mixed drinks.

Additionally, alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a low-calorie beverage to minimize your overall consumption.

6. Be Active

Staying active during the holidays can help you burn off extra calories and keep your energy levels up. Take a walk after a meal, dance at a party, or schedule an active outing with friends or family.

7. Eat Breakfast

Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can help you control your hunger and prevent overeating later. Choose high-protein options such as eggs or Greek yogurt to keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.

If you’re attending a potluck or holiday dinner, bring a healthy dish to share. This way, you know there will be at least one option that fits your dietary needs, and you can inspire others to make healthier choices as well.

9. Be Mindful of Desserts

Desserts are a holiday staple, but they can also be high in sugar and calories. Choose smaller portions or share with a friend to indulge without overdoing it. Additionally, look for lighter dessert options such as fruit or lower-calorie baked goods.

10. Avoid Perpetual Grazing

When you’re surrounded by a tempting spread of holiday goodies, it’s easy to constantly graze and munch. However, this can lead to mindless snacking and overeating.

Instead, make a plate of what you want to eat, and then step away from the food table to prevent continual nibbling.

11. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones and lead to overeating and weight gain. Focus on getting enough quality sleep during the holiday season to help regulate your appetite and energy levels.

12. Use a Smaller Plate

Using a smaller plate can help you control portion sizes and prevent overeating. Fill your plate with healthy options, and take small bites to savor your food.

13. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

If you do indulge in some holiday treats, don’t beat yourself up about it. Remember that the occasional indulgence is okay, and focus on getting back on track with your healthy eating habits.

14. Resist Peer Pressure

When you’re at a party or gathering, it can be easy to give in to peer pressure and eat or drink more than you want to. Stay true to your goals and plan ahead to avoid succumbing to temptation.

15. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves focusing on your food and the experience of eating, rather than mindlessly consuming a meal or snack. Take time to savor your food, appreciate its flavors and textures, and pay attention to your hunger and fullness signals.

16. Chew Slowly

Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can help you feel full and satisfied on fewer calories. Additionally, it can aid in digestion and prevent discomfort or indigestion.

17. Avoid Late-Night Snacking

Eating late at night can disrupt your sleep and lead to weight gain. Instead, plan to have your last meal or snack at least two to three hours before bedtime.

18. Find Healthy Alternatives

When you’re craving a holiday treat, look for healthier alternatives that satisfy your taste buds without overloading your calorie count.

For example, try making a low-calorie version of your favorite holiday dish or baking with healthier ingredients such as applesauce or Greek yogurt.

19. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand

Having healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, or cut-up veggies readily available can help prevent mindless snacking and keep your hunger under control.

Additionally, carrying snacks with you while on-the-go can help you avoid unhealthy vending machine options or fast food restaurants.

20. Stay Accountable

Enlist the help of a friend or accountability partner to help you stick to your healthy eating goals during the holiday season. Plan healthy outings or meals together, and encourage each other to make good choices.

21. Focus on Socializing

While food is a big part of holiday celebrations, remember that the main purpose of these gatherings is to spend time with loved ones. Focus on enjoying the company and conversation, rather than obsessing over the food and drink.

22. Pre-portion Snacks

If you’re snacking on nuts, chips or other treats, pre-portion them in advance to avoid overeating, and put them away once you’ve reached your allotted portion.

23. Don’t Over-Do Alcohol

Alcohol can quickly add up in calories and take a toll on your health. Limit your consumption and switch to a low-calorie drink after every second alcoholic drink to pace and hydrate yourself.

24. Try Homemade Alternatives

If you are looking to indulge you can try a healthier alternative to the store-bought treats. Bake a batch of cookies using stevia instead of sugar and almond flour instead of wheat flour.

25. Use Fewer Condiments

Many common toppings such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and barbecue sauce pack on the calories. Consider using fewer or healthier options such as mustard, herbal sauces, and hummus, to tone down the calorie content of your food.

26. Choose Wholegrain Options

Whole grains are both nutritious and filling, they make you feel fuller for longer periods of time. When choosing grains, such as bread and brown rice, go for whole-grain options instead of white.

27. Get Up & Move

Schedule a dance party, a stroll around your neighborhood or any physical activity to burn off the excess calories thereby keeping weight gain at bay.

A 15-minute walk may not seem like a lot, but over the course of the day can make a big difference in your overall health and wellness.

28. Prioritize Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient that will help you to stay fuller for longer periods of time. Therefore, prioritize foods that are rich in lean protein like chicken, salmon, eggs, beans, and Greek yoghurt.

29. Practice Gratitude

Focusing on the meaning of the holiday season and reflecting on what you’re grateful for can help keep you in a positive mindset and prevent emotional eating. Take time to acknowledge the people and things you are grateful for each day.

30. Reward Yourself

The holiday season can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself in other ways besides just food. Treat yourself to a massage, take a relaxing bubble bath, or curl up with a good book to help you de-stress and unwind.