It’s the winter holiday season and it brings with it the chance to celebrate with friends and family once a year. It’s also the time when routines such as exercise are replaced with plans to shop, cook, decorate, and share plate after plate of sugar cookies and walnut balls.

While the definition of winter season is different from culture-to-culture, the United States generally considers it to be the period that begins with Thanksgiving and ends with New Year’s Day. In that six week period, there are too many opportunities for people to eat excessively in the name of celebration. In fact, Americans gain an average of five pounds each year during these holidays, and most people don’t lose that weight from year to year.

It doesn’t mean that you should be a Grinch this Christmas. This is a time for celebration, so it is important to not be deprived. Be flexible and realistic about your goals. Making better choices this year may allow you to lose just a few pounds instead of five before spring. Here are some ways to do it:

1. Before the big event, eat a light, healthy dinner. Fruits and vegetables are rich in soluble fiber which makes you feel fuller longer. Before you go to the big event, snack on some carrots or apples.

2. Limit the amount of gravy and sauces you use. They are delicious, but often high in calories and fat. Enjoy the flavors and textures of your food.

3. Reduce sugar intake – if you want to keep the cookies, substitute the eggnog for a delicious selection of juices and teas with reduced sugar. Old Orchard Healthy Balance juice is a balanced blend of flavor and low-calorie.

4. Take a healthy dessert with you. This will allow you to have at least one dessert that you are able to enjoy guilt-free. Healthybalance.com has healthy dessert ideas. You can also share your recipes there with other people.

5. After dinner, take a walk. Even a little exercise can help. Before you go to bed, take in the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the season.

Your waistline is facing the greatest challenge during the holiday season. Be smart about your choices, and remember that moderation can be the key to calorie management. You can make a plan to run more on the treadmill if you are certain you will overdo it at the buffet. This will help you not gain holiday weight.

Amy Bragagnini works as a registered dietician for healthybalance.com.