The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and of course, food. Many people indulge in sweets during this time of year, but if you’re watching your weight or trying to stay healthy, it can be challenging to stick to your diet.

The good news is that with a little planning and self-control, you can enjoy the holiday season without derailing your diet.

1. Make a Plan

Before attending a holiday gathering, plan ahead and decide what you’ll allow yourself to eat. Decide how much you can indulge and what you’ll do to cut back on calories the rest of the week.

Setting goals and tracking your progress can help you stay on track and avoid overeating.

2. Bring Your Own Dish

When attending a holiday gathering, offer to bring a healthy dish along with you. This gives you more control over what you’re eating and can help ensure that there’s at least one healthy option available.

3. Practice Portion Control

Portion control is key when it comes to enjoying holiday sweets while watching your diet. You don’t have to avoid all sweets altogether, but be mindful of how much you’re consuming. Stick to small servings and avoid going back for seconds.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is important year-round, but it’s especially important during the holiday season. Not only does it help you feel fuller, but it can also help flush out any excess sodium or sugar you’ve consumed.

5. Stay Active

During the holiday season, it’s easy to let your fitness routine fall to the wayside, but staying active is important for maintaining your health and weight.

Even if you can’t commit to your regular workouts, try to take short walks or try some at-home workouts to stay active.

6. Choose Wisely

During the holiday season, it’s common to be faced with a variety of sweet treats. Instead of indulging in everything that’s offered, choose wisely. Opt for healthier options like fresh fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate.

7. Don’t Starve Yourself

Many people make the mistake of starving themselves before a holiday gathering in an effort to save calories. However, this can backfire and lead to overeating later on.

Make sure to eat a healthy meal or snack before attending a gathering to avoid overindulging on sweets.

8. Be Mindful

Eating mindfully means being present and aware of what you’re consuming. Take the time to savor each bite and pay attention to how your body feels. This can help prevent mindless snacking and overeating.

9. Avoid Sipping Calories

Alcoholic beverages and sugary drinks can be high in calories and can easily derail your diet. Instead of sipping on high-calorie drinks, opt for water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with a splash of fresh fruit juice.

10. Forgive Yourself

Lastly, remember that it’s okay to indulge a little during the holiday season. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up and eat more sweets than you intended. Instead, forgive yourself and get back on track.