Don’t ruin all the good work you’ve been doing all year with your weight, over the holidays! The parties and the feeding of fattening go hand in hand. Thanksgiving and leftovers can last a week or two. Before you know it, Christmas follows. New Year. Studies show that about 75% of a person’s annual weight gain occurs between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. How to avoid gaining weight during the holidays?

The first way to avoid gaining weight on vacation is to make sure you have a healthy meal before arriving at a party or other event that includes food. Feel free to freak out on Thanksgiving. A single day will not ruin your waistline. For other holiday events, fill up on healthy food first. Eat fruits and vegetables before going to your event. Your stomach will be full of healthy foods and you will be less likely to eat junk food.

The second way is to focus on other things besides food. When attending a party, give your time and attention to the other attendees. Mix and socialize. Find a healthy snack and a bottle of water. Talk and listen to others, keep your mind occupied with the events you attend so that food and alcohol do not speak for you. If they do, you will eat and drink and gain weight!

The third way is to maintain relentless normal weight loss, Strategic Individual Action Plan (SIPA), and exercise regimen. Walk every day or jump rope every day! An occasional lap won’t do any harm, but it’s surprisingly easy to gain 10 pounds or more in 6 weeks if you stop watching what you eat or exercise. If you like going to the gym or playing sports like golf, tennis, or swimming, keep doing it.

The fourth way is to eat slowly. The slower you eat, the less you will have eaten when your body finally decides that it is full. The easiest way to overeat is to eat fast. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Talk between bites. Drink lots of water and eat salads with your meals. This will also fill your stomach. Give yourself time to record your first meal before adding a second. If you don’t, you will end up eating too much!

The fifth way is to do everything in moderation. Plan ahead this year. It is easier to avoid gaining weight than it is to lose weight. Enjoy your friends and family during the holiday season. Overeating is not a prerequisite for having a good time. Focus on making healthy choices in moderation. You can prevent holiday weight gain by making smart decisions and taking action. This is part of the relentless weight loss and self-regulation process!