The holiday season is a time for generosity of spirit, mingling with family and friends and reflecting on the year gone by. Unfortunately, it is also a time for cakes, cookies, candy canes, canap?s and - of course - calories. Most Americans gain an average of one pound per holiday season and many have difficulty shedding those pounds when the reality of New Year's resolutions roles around. Fortunately, you don't have to look like Santa Claus with a belly like a bowl full of jelly, as long as you follow these 5 holiday tips for keeping the pounds off.



1. Don't keep candy or cookies at home. You're likely to eat plenty of goodies and sweets at holiday parties and office events. There's no need to add extra temptation by keeping an abundance of goodies around the house as well. If you're baking, avoid the temptation to sample and keep your fingers out of the cookie jar! If you get chocolate, candy or other treats as gifts, a local charity would probably appreciate the donation and you can feel good about both your kindness and about the fact that you can still button your pants in the new year.

2. Prepare for parties. If you're going to an event where you know there will be food, prepare your plan in advance. When you want to overindulge, compensate by cutting the calories early in the day. Don't avoid eating- this can make you more likely to dine on even more unhealthy delights- but do eat healthy and minimize treats outside the party. If you don't plan to overeat at a party, have a snack before you go and set yourself a concrete limit for just how many cookies you plan to eat.

3. Practice smart party behavior. Pace your eating and spend time catching up with family and friends instead of with gingerbread men. Keep toothpicks from the canap?s you eat to keep track, and choose the smallest plate at the buffet to help keep your eating under control. Fill up on healthy treats at that buffet, and if you plan to eat a lot, skip the alcohol (or vice versa). Finally, practice saying no politely. Many people consume unwanted calories for fear of offending a well-meaning host who keeps hoisting food upon you.

4. Be Selective with Your Sins: Pick one great treat per day, or one calorie packed delight at the party and commit yourself to avoid the others. If you know you'll be rewarded with the treat you like the most, you're more likely to be able to pass on the cookies that are just okay. If you're afraid there won't be a healthy treat available, bring one if the situation allows. Other guests at the potluck may be struggling with weight gain too and may be delighted to see that you brought a fruit salad instead of another plate of rich and fatty fruit and almond cookies.

5. Buddy Up: It's always easier to abstain if you have a friend. Make a commitment with a significant other or friend that you attend parties with that you will both avoid the holiday gluttony.