Throughout the holiday season, one of the most common temptations is all of the food. Many can not refuse the offer of sugar cookies, and who can blame them. Holiday delicacies hold a certain allure that causes many people to gain unwanted weight during the period of time between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1. The alignment of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, make many traditional, but high caloric foods very common. For example, in a single slice of pumpkin pie there are 300 or more calories, and on average in one serving of mashed potatoes there are 150 calories. Thankfully, there are many easy ways to avoid this weight gain, and these ways are found in the simplest of habits.

One of the most obvious ways to keep the weight off is exercise. Yes, this word is used so often when one is trying to lose weight that it becomes hackneyed. Exercise is necessary if one wants to lose weight. It plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body. Exercise also makes it possible to create a calorie deficit and lose weight without starving your body and slowing your metabolism. “Exercise, Don’t forget to even in the busyness of the holidays. Make sure that you continue to keep to your exercise plan,” stated Milford High School health teacher, Elizabeth Suminski.

During the holidays, exercising is not as hard as it might seem. Take a walk in the snow with your friends or relatives, start a snowball fight, or start some sort of contest. “I think exercise is easier as a competition,” stated Kathryn Schellenberg, a tenth grader at Milford.

Exercise doesn’t have to be a punishment; it can be fun if done with other people. “Exercising with others is better, because it gives you more motivation to work harder,” said Schellenberg.

But exercise is not the only way to stay fit during the hustle and bustle of the celebrations this season. Almost every party or social event will have sweets, making it impossible to avoid treats altogether. “Do not socialize next to the food at parties,” states Mary Pozatek, a Northwestern Benefit wellness Consultant, in the article How to maintain (or even begin!) healthy Habits during the Holiday Season. Standing near the food can lead to superfluous snaking or grazing.

“Drink plenty of water,” continues Pozatek, emphasizing that while many holiday liquids are high in calories, such as eggnog or hot chocolate, while water has zero. “Prioritize your foods so you allow yourself room to enjoy your top treats while passing over the items that you eat ‘just because they are there’,” Reasons Pozatek.

Being selective will help in minimizing one’s food intake, but additional measures can be taken. “Remember the three S’s,” she said. “Small, slow and steady: small portions, eat slow and pace yourself.” Wellness director, Tori Pennell stated on The Collegian Online. Gorging one’s self with food in a short amount of time increases the number of calories consumed because of the short amount of time it takes to empty a plate. “Don’t overindulge and watch your portions,” Suminski stated as her top two ways to stay healthy during the holidays.

Additionally, do not skip meals or eat less during this season, especially before a party. “Restricting yourself from eating during the holidays can end up back firing, leading to overindulgence.” insisted Pozatek. “It is always best to eat a healthy snack prior to going to a party or an event where food will be plentiful. Never go hungry; this usually ends up being a recipe for disaster!” stressed Pozatek.

Finally, do not become completely consumed with weight loss this holiday season, but follow these easy tips. Or as stated by nutrition instructor Kim Weasley, on The Collegian Online “Overall, if we watch our serving sizes, resist second helpings and have a reasonable-size plate, we should keep the extra calories at bay.