Keeping a healthy weight during the holidays is quite a challenge. Parties and holiday get-togethers have become a tradition as we celebrate Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. So how can we eat healthy during the holidays? According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we can still make the holiday season healthful by following these simple steps:

1. Make realistic goals. The holiday season is not the time to place added stress on yourself by attempting to lose weight.
2. Use smaller plates if available when at a buffet-style party.
3. Try eating a healthy snack before going to a party to ease your hunger.
4. Conversation is calorie-free, but move away from the buffet so you won't be tempted to eat while you talk.
5. Scope out the buffet before you go up to make your selections.
6. Balance what you eat at parties with what you eat during the day.
7. Remember that beverages contain calories as well. Alcoholic beverages, home-made punches, and chocolaty beverages tend to have sneaky calories that you may not bargain for. Consume these in moderation!
8. Watch your portion sizes and take small "tastes" of high calorie dishes.

Remember, healthy eating is important if we want to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Enjoy the holidays without the guilt of having extra calories and gaining extra pounds. Happy New Year!

(Reference: http://www.eatright.org)