Once again the holiday season is upon us. It’s the time of the year where we meet with family and friends and enjoy time together. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when many fitness and diet programs are brought to a screeching halt. Instead of spending time exercising we are busy shopping, attending parties, visiting family and friends and consuming high calorie, high fat, high cholesterol foods such as meats with heavy sauces, candies and chocolates, alcohol, processed and packaged foods that are coated in oils. And then once we are done with the holidays and ready to return to our normal lives, we find a few extra pounds have been added to our weight. This is primarily due to eating too much in a short span of time without any control. Many people face this issue of not being able to control their weight during the holiday season and start the New Year by starving, or going on fad diets, which will only make matters worse.

We are a going to cover a few simple rules to follow to help stay fit and maintain our weight throughout the holiday season;

1. Don’t Abandon Your Exercise Routine.

I realize everyone has more things to do than there are hours in a day, but you need to take a hard look at your schedule. Instead of attempting to fit exercise into your schedule, figure out what can be removed from your schedule. The end result is not to try and do more, but to do less; however, you want to do it all well.

It's important to not only stick to your same exercise schedule, but, whenever possible, attempt to add an extra workout session.

Exercise wherever and whenever you can. We already know to take the steps instead of the elevator and park our car at the far end of the shopping center to get more exercise. This holiday season, clip on a pedometer as you shop and run errands, you may be surprised by the steps you accumulate. Use every chance you have to work in more exercise. Try waking up an hour early to walk or jog before work, do a few office exercises during your break, squeeze a quick walk into your lunch hour, or possibly chop down your own Christmas tree. The key is to move as often as you can.

Finally, remember your strength training. Maintain your muscle mass. If necessary scale down your routine to include just the basics.

2. Eat Smart - Make Good Choices.

Don't Miss Meals. Instead, eat small meals throughout the day to avoid over-doing it at the buffet table or dinner party.

Eat Before You Leave. It's always said never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry, and the same applies here. Never attend a holiday party on an empty stomach. Eat a handful of walnut's and drink a large glass of water before leaving and you'll tend to make smarter choices. You'll be less tempted to binge at the party.

Limit Yourself to One Treat. Once you are at the party, go ahead and indulge (it is the holidays), but stick to one item and make it a good one. Don't aim for something you can have anytime, like chips or candy. Find something that is only offered during the holidays.

Watch What You Drink. Alcohol is one way many consume more calories than they want or need. Look out for the mixed or fruity drinks. One glass of eggnog can have over 350 calories. Try drinking one glass of water for every drink you consume.

Stay Away from the gravies, dressings, and high-calorie condiments. If you want to keep your calories in check and still enjoy all that the special holiday dinner has to offer, try skipping the gravies, fatty dressings, and high-calorie condiments. If you feel you must add something to the turkey, use low-fat gravy. Often, the dressings and condiments are worse for your waistline than the foods themselves.

Eat more veggies with your meal. Instead of selecting the buttery potatoes, candied yams or stuffing, elect have to have more healthy veggies (carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices) with your meal.

The holiday season is a special time of year when we enjoy family, friends and good food. Make this the year that you don't pack on the extra pounds. Decide to do everything you can to stay active and eat healthy, but still not deprive yourself of all the holiday fun. Just like everything else, moderation is the key to succeeding. What is important is to Keep Exercising, Eat Smart and Enjoy the Holiday Season!