Focus on talking more to party guests and eating less.

Avoid hanging around the buffet table at social gatherings.

Stick to high protein foods, fruit and veggies. Go for the turkey, the sliced meats, the fresh fruit and raw veggies (without the dip.)

Avoid high fat hors d’oeuvres such as cheese, nuts, saucy tidbits and fried anything. Instead, nibble on the veggies or chew gum and talk a lot.

Eat before you go to a holiday gathering. Have a small meal such as fruit and low fat cottage cheese, yogurt, or a low-cal protein shake, a handful of grapes or an apple.

Make yourself the designated driver at least half of the time. This will help you avoid calorieladen alcoholic beverages.

Instead of wine or mixed drinks, try soda water with lime and towards the end of the event, reward yourself for your good behavior with a glass of wine or your favorite drink.

Plan holiday activities around things other than food such as an ice-skating party followed by hot spiced apple cider; a sightseeing trip (preferably walking) to view the colorful decorations and lights in your neighborhood or town; a walking window-shopping expedition at your favorite mall; a trip to the woods to chop down your own tree; a tree-trimming party where everyone brings their favorite low-cal treat; a gift gathering and wrapping for orphans, the homeless or old folks in nursing homes; a caroling party to go from house to house (or floor to floor) and sing.

Continue your workout schedule but ease off a bit to allow for the extra time holiday commitments take. You don’t want to stress yourself out or quit exercising completely!