Holiday Weight Begone!

No matter what you celebrate, there's one thing that we all have in common when it comes to the holidays—get-togethers with those we love. But those parties with friends and family also come with tempting treats we may not usually indulge in. There are sugar cookies coated in red icing, chocolate babka, marshmallows swimming in hot cocoa and even the occasional glass of champagne.

Don't worry, no one's telling you not to celebrate. Socialization and joy can keep you healthy. However, you might be worried about how those goodies or sugary drinks will affect the numbers on the scale.

According to a recent review of studies published in the Journal of Obesity, the average person gains up to two pounds between Thanksgiving and the new year. In fact, one study found that between the last week of November and mid-January, people accrue 50% of their annual weight gain.

And sure, while a pound or two in a single year may not seem like a lot, if we cannot lose the weight, we could just keep compounding those gains holiday season after holiday season.

The good news is that you do not have to forego the fun. There are simple tips to enjoy the season without overindulging, including:

Don't skip meals. Even though you might be tempted to "save room for later," stick with your regular mealtime routines. Not eating breakfast, for example, can confuse your body's hunger and satiety hormones, making your body hold on to calories.

Eat mindfully. If you're a cook tempted by tasting the food you're preparing, you can chew gum while working in the kitchen. Other tips to avoid snacking without realizing it are to eat slowly (to better determine when you're full) and to put leftovers away so you're not eating food just because it's there.

Rethink your drinks. Many holiday beverages are chock full of sugar and calories but do not provide any nutritional value or make you feel full. Drinks with high sugar content have also been associated with weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay and liver disease. Drink these and alcohol in moderation and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Give yourself a break. At social events, you may have the chance to indulge in a favorite that you only get once a year, like lebkuchen or candy cane. Don't let your fear of gaining a pound keep you from finding joy this time of year. A cookie or two will be fine in the grand scheme of things if you balance it out with healthy snacks and regular physical activity.

Because, after all, isn't staying healthy part of the season of joy?

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