Although we all might say "bah-humbug" to healthy eating during the holidays, research says we don't have to cut everything out.
The advice this year would probably be - eat, drink and be wary.
Experts say the most effective way to combat an expanding waistline this holiday season is to develop healthy habits for you and your family that will carry over into the New Year.
Rejoice!
New research says you will likely gain only one pound - not five - this holiday season.
But experts warn you'll probably keep that pound with you for the coming year.
And part of the problem is that, like the holidays themselves, the eating season seems to arrive earlier and earlier.
Julie Metos/Clinical Dietitian: "IT USED TO BE THANKSGIVING TO CHRISTMAS, BUT NOW HALLOWEEN ACTUALLY STARTS IN SEPTEMBER BECAUSE THEY PUT THE CANDY OUT IN SEPTEMBER, SO YOU BUY A FEW BAGS THEN, AND YOU BUY SOME CAUSE YOU ATE THOSE AND YOU CAN GIVE OUT AND THEN PRETTY SOON YOU ARE PLANNING THANKSGIVING."
And on into the New Year - where a New Year's resolution usually includes a diet.
But dietitians say it's time to start a new tradition - less food and more active family time.
Julie Metos: "MAYBE INSTEAD OF DRIVING AROUND TO LOOK AT THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS, YOU CAN GO FOR A WALK. MAYBE YOUR FAMILY CAN GO CAROLING DOOR TO DOOR, MAYBE YOU CAN HAVE A SLEDDING PARTY."
A healthy season involves a little bit more, and dietitians say these habits can be used year-round.
Click here for healthy holiday eating habits.
