With the holidays come snow, family gatherings, and that whole healthy mentality you had over summer, flying right out the festively decorated window. With the most anticipated and essentially fattening holidays right around the corner, it’s a little harder keep your cravings at bay. Here are a few tips on how to keep your body as far from resembling ol’ Father Christmas as possible. (not only will these tips keep your ugly sweaters fitting like perfection, they will keep your immunity up when the temps are down.)

1. It is important to eat regularly. Most experts say a healthy snack every few hours is best. We all know how hard it is to turn down bad food choices when you’re starving. If you’re going to a party, eat a light meal before. This will keep you from binging on pumpkin pie.

2. Just because bathing suit season is over, doesn’t mean your workouts should diminish. Granted, jeans are forgiving, but not if they will no longer button. If you don’t have the time or want to shell out your holiday cash on a gym membership, take a few jogs around the block, or even around campus. Plus, winter workout clothes are universally flattering, (hello, black yoga pants). Exercise will also get your endorphins flowing, making the dreary winter days a bit more cheery.

3. Experts say to drink less alcohol, as many drinks are extremely high in calories. It’s also tough to turn down seconds on sweet potatoes when you have a buzz, am I right? If there is no way you’re giving up alcohol on your beloved break, try something a little lighter. Swap the eggnog for a martini. Cheers!
4. Eat when you’re hungry, but stop when you’re full. Grandma will forgive you for not stuffing yourself full of her stuffing, when she sees how sleek you look in your Christmas pictures. Slow down, it isn’t a pie eating contest.

5. If you slip up, and say, “accidentally” enjoy 7 sugar cookies with your venti Pumpkin Spice latte, get back on track. Don’t think “your diet is blown” and continue to indulge. Thoroughly enjoy every bite and frothy sip of that sinful breakfast, then wipe the crumbs off your face and consider a salad for lunch. Your calories intake should be like a bank account, if you spend too much at one meal, even it out on the next. Resume your healthy eating, your body will thank you.

6. Stay warm! People tend to want hearty, comfort food when they are chilly. While I enjoy a chicken pot pie as much as the next person, you have to limit yourself. While refreshing salads and fresh veggies don’t hold the same allure as they do during the summer months, you still need them, Try steamed and sautéed veggies, throw those greens over some whole grain pasta. It’s warm and hearty and leaves you feeling far less guilty than casserole.

According to a 2010 study ,weight gained over the winter holidays often isn’t lost during the rest of the year. A new study suggests that Americans probably gain about a pound during the winter holiday season-but this extra weight accumulates through the years and may be a major contributor to obesity later in life. According to The National Institute of Health.
If you would like more information on healthy eating and weight management you can make a free appointment with a Registered Dietitian on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Fresno City College Student Health Services.