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No matter your age, the holidays can be a difficult time for those watching their weight and trying to control their sugar intake. With an abundance of parties and get-togethers, there is also an abundance of decadent food, drinks and sweets.

Here are a few tips that can help you to stay on track with your personal nutrition goals between now and New Year’s Day:

1. Set realistic goals. Instead of focusing on weight loss during this time of year, focus on maintaining your current weight. This mindset will help take off pressure and keep you from feeling guilty when faced with holiday temptations.
2. Don’t go to a party hungry. Don’t skip a meal just to “save your calories” for a holiday party. Seeing and smelling the food on an empty stomach will likely set you up for over-eating. Start your day with a healthy breakfast and pack healthy meals/snacks for the day so you stay satisfied.
3. Make Choices. Instead of indulging in every guilty pleasure in front of you, choose one. In addition to your entrée, choose an appetizer, alcoholic beverage or dessert, rather than all three. This will help reduce your total calorie intake for the meal.
4. Check out the spread. Always walk around and take a look at the food selections at a party before serving yourself. Choose foods you’ll enjoy, that are filling and will give you the most satisfaction.
5. Trim some calories off your holiday cookies. Try using whole wheat flour in place of white flour or using applesauce or yogurt in place of oil in your baked goods this season. No one will know the difference.
6. Slow down. Put your fork down in between bites and take sips of water throughout your meal.
7. Stay active. Create an exercise routine you can follow without having to rely on having good weather or calendar visits to your fitness center. If you are having trouble finding time, try an online workout video or download an app on your smart phone or tablet so you can do a workout anywhere without equipment.

Your primary care doctor can help you with your personal nutrition goals. Patients of NorthBay Health can schedule an appointment through the patient portal or by calling (707) 646-5500.