Are you going overboard this season? Keep reading for my tips on how to stay healthy this holiday season.

As this holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing for big celebrations and parties. Food, snacks, wine, beer, beverages... there is no other time of the year that people like to fill themselves up till their heart’s content (or stomach is bursting).

If you want to maintain your waistline this holiday season or even lose weight while people around you are packing on the holiday pounds, then this is for you!

Below are 5 tips for keeping yourself healthy this holiday season.

Eat Snacks Moderately- Let's face it, snacks are abundant during the holiday seasons (as if they aren't already throughout the year). If you take a seat within an arm's reach of the snack table, you're going to have a tough time keeping yourself from unconsciously grabbing handfuls of party mix, candies, and the like and picking at them all day. By sitting on the other side of the room, getting to the snacks involves a conscious effort into getting up and walking over to get at the snacks. This is often enough time for you to question your choice if you are hungry or not or think about what you will choose from the snack table.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! There is no better thing to do during this festive season than to exercise! If the weather permits it, go out and take a quick walk around the house or block. If your celebration is taking place in a colder climate, you'll be more inspired to quicken the pace and burn a few extra calories in the process. if the weather is bad, do 10-20 squats, stretches or other brief exercise each time you go to the restroom. You only want to do just enough to elevate your heart rate, but not break out into a sweat. Chances are, no one will notice what you're doing, and you won't have to feel self-conscious about trying to maintain your figure.
Eat More Raw Foods- take an extra scoop of vegetables and fruit when filling your plate, and by the time you finish, you won't have room for the other foods which are higher in calories and more likely to cause you to gain weight. Also, avoid fatty and fried foods (they taste good, but you know they aren't good for you).
Drink a lot of water throughout the day- water helps your body stay hydrated and healthy. Drink most of your water at least 20 minutes before each meal, as well as small sips during meal time so as not to dilute the digestive juices in your tummy. The liquid in your stomach will help trick your mind into not feeling as hungry, which reduces the tendency to gorge yourself on potentially fattening foods. Water also aids in the digestion process allowing your body more time to actually absorb the goodness in the food you consume.
Eat in Smaller Portions- Instead of eating platefuls of food, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. No doubt, everything at the table looks good, and its all you can do to keep from filling your plate 2-3 times so that you can sample everything. An easy way to combat this urge is to simply take a smaller portion than you normally would of those dishes you're most interested in, especially belt- bursting desserts. Split a piece of pie or cake with your spouse, child or another family member so you are not eating a full portion.

Keeping healthy during this holiday season is simply making sure you follow healthy habits just like any other time of the year.

To help you not only survive this holiday season, but THRIVE, I have created a fun, easy program, I think you will LOVE! 12 Days Of Wellness