First it’s the massive meal at Thanksgiving, then it’s treats, candy, and rich foods for the rest of the year.  The folks at Web MD have shared 5 ways to avoid holiday weight gain this year:

1. Pay attention to what you’re putting in your mouth. Their best tip to help you with this is to write everything down.  All the treats add up! From the cookies in the break room to the candy jar in the office! Followed by the holiday parties and overall celebrating. Once you start keeping a list, you’ll be less likely to overindulge.

2. Watch your stress levels so you aren’t comforting yourself with food! That’s because comfort foods really do comfort – by lowering your stress level. Try not to rely on food to help you thru the stressful situation, and try to incorporate exercise into your holiday plans as well.

3. Spend quality time with friends. Studies have shown that if you’re social at a party, you’re less likely to spend time hovering around the food. People who socialize at parties consume fewer calories than wallflowers.

4. Avoid being too tempted. Set yourself up for success by eating before you go to a food-related event.  It seems counter intuitive, but snacking on healthy things before you go can help prevent you from overindulging at the party. .

5. Find ways to exercise. Take a brisk walk, even if it’s around the mall. In addition to burning a few calories, working out can help control your appetite.