The opportunities to eat around the holidays seem endless. Couple the abundance of in-your-face tempting food with the stress of a to-do list that’s out of control, and it’s no wonder that we often pack on the holiday pounds.

But this year, it’s going to be different, right?

Having a plan on how to enjoy the bounty of food without triggering a six-week eating frenzy is key.  I’m a big believer in “social weight maintenance” over the holidays. That means allowing some flexibility in your eating plan so that you can enjoy your favorite holiday foods without gaining weight.  If you factor into your plan some extra food and drink, you are more likely to keep your weight in check.

Don’t try to lose weight or be perfect around the holidays. To maintain, not gain, during the holidays, follow the “80/20 rule”: 80% of the time, you follow your healthy eating plan to the letter, but 20% of the time, you may indulge in small portions of those once-a-year favorites. And 100% of the time, do at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity. Exercise helps you cope with stress while it burns calories and keeps muscles strong.