First, there was Halloween and all its candy, then Thanksgiving and turkey and all the sides. Now, holiday parties, Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the last two months of the year become a calorie-laden nightmare for many Americans. But, all hope is not lost, says Christy Tunnell, a clinical lecturer of nutrition and dietetics, who believes that planning ahead is critical for good health during the holiday season. She has a few tips:

Don’t Skip Meals
“Sometimes people try to ‘save’ calories for later, if they know they have big parties coming up,” Tunnell said. “This is a no-no. You may actually be setting yourself up to binge later. You’ll be extra hungry and have an increased craving for sugars and fats.” She advises that maintaining a balanced blood sugar level will help make sure you do not overeat. One hour before the party, try to eat a balanced snack (a mixture of protein and carbohydrate).  Maintain your normal eating schedule, but make your meals 20 percent smaller, to give you the option of indulging in some party foods, Tunnell said.

Healthy Meals, Healthy Snacks
“You may have a dozen holiday parties to attend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but when you are at home, make good healthy meals,” Tunnell said. “Feeling energized during the holidays is just as much about getting the right nutrients into your body, as it is about keeping extra calories at bay.” In addition, she advises to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and drink plenty of fluids. Snacks should include a healthy protein and some fiber. Cut up vegetables, cashews, peanuts, raisins, boiled eggs, and dark chocolate can all be part of your healthy snack plan.

Keep a Fitness Routine
Tunnell said that when juggling social obligations, it’s tempting to let a training regime fall by the wayside. Keeping as much movement as possible in a daily routine will help stave off unwanted pounds. At a minimum, aim for at least one structured training session per week. Even a brisk walk or light jog for 20-30 minutes can give you some quality “me” time. “Your first hour upon waking, your mind is calm and receptive,” she said. “This is a good time to meditate, do yoga, walk, run or simply deep breath. People who exercise first thing in the morning are more successful at keeping a regular exercise program.”