In theory, Christmas is only one day of the year, but the Christmas season tends to include an abundance of treats, parties and advertisements for delicious, indulgent foods. These treats are hard to resist, which leads to overeating and drinking – sometimes everything that is presented to us.

However, just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean it has to be an automatic ticket to excessive eating and weight gain. May be this year it’s time to do things differently and move into the New Year already feeling healthy and motivated.

So how do you maintain your good habits, healthy eating and exercise routines during December to avoid the Christmas bulge? Here are some SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) holiday nutrition tips to help you out.

Holiday Diet, Motivation and Nutrition Tips

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Buddy up in December!

Find a friend, partner or family member and be accountable to each other so that you both maintain healthy holiday eating and exercise habits. Arrange to work out together or call, text, or find another way to check in daily to let each other know you’ve stuck to your goals. Reward yourselves in January with a spa day, fun day out or concert ticket etc. for keeping your healthy habits up throughout the month.

Keep a daily food diary

It’s been shown that those who keep a daily food diary are more likely to maintain healthy holiday eating habits and maintain weight (even outside the holiday season). Writing down everything you eat and drink during December is a great holiday nutrition tip that will help you to see how well you’re doing at sticking to your good habits and where to ramp up your workout or reduce food intake if you did overindulge.

Plan your week of meals in advance

If you know you will have multiple nights out, family meals, parties coming up, plan all your healthy meals around these social occasions to balance out your holiday nutrition. The day of a Christmas party, reduce the amount you eat during the rest of the day. This holiday diet tip helps keep calories down and maintain your weight.

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Stay active

Similar to your meals, plan your week of exercise around other events and stick to it. Arrange to meet someone for a run or at a class, book and pay for classes in advance for December, making it more likely you will stay active. Treat exercise as an essential part of your calendar, especially if you know you are going to a Christmas party a particular day. Plan a big walk or other activity on Christmas day for all the family, where everyone will benefit from the fresh air and exercise.

Have alcohol-free nights

With 180 calories in one pint of beer and 130 calories in a standard 175ml glass of wine, the calories can soon add up during the festive season. This also contributes to weight gain. Don’t use Christmas as an excuse to drink at every opportunity, savor the chance to have a few “dry” nights out. Perhaps you take in a holiday concert or festival instead of hosting a holiday party with drinks.

Plus, having alcohol-free nights leaves you more fresh in the morning, which in turn makes you more motivated to continue your good holiday nutrition and exercise habits and deal with any of the stresses and busyness Christmas brings.

During December, remember how good it feels when you’re engaged in healthy holiday eating practices and exercising regularly. Set a goal to ring in the New Year an already a healthy version of yourself. Then keep these holiday nutrition and diet tips up throughout the year to stick to your resolutions and live a healthier lifestyle.