It’s the greatest time of the year … parties … shopping … gifts … family… stress … weight gain … Wait – stress and weight gain aren’t fun! Unfortunately, they’re often part of the holiday mix, especially for women. There’s too much to do in too little time. We overspend and overeat, then worry about paying the bills and fitting into that slinky black dress for New Year’s Eve.

Believe it not, the average adult only gains about a pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health. That may not seem too bad. But, think of it this way: Take a pound of butter in your hand and slap it on your stomach or your thighs. Ugh! What’s more, researchers say any weight gain around this time of year often sticks with us long after the shouts of Happy New Year are but dim memories.

Here are 10 simple steps that may help to keep stress low, ward off a pound of blubber, and make your holidays merry and bright:

• When shopping for gifts, make a list and an amount you want to spend and stick to it, so you don’t go overboard.
• Eat a healthy snack or light meal before you go to a party. If you arrive there starving, you’re likely to wolf down a whole lot of fatty appetizers.
• Drink a glass of water before you eat and in between alcoholic beverages. It will help to fill you up.
• Fill most of your buffet plate with healthy, low-calorie offerings like fruit, veggies and salad. You can still have some yummy calorie- and fat-laden treats, but limit your intake. Skip those that aren’t a “must try” for you and pass on the bread and rolls.
• Having turkey for dinner? Eat the white meat. It has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat.
• Have two glasses of wine instead of two mixed cocktails. That can cut about 200 calories.
• Throwing a party yourself? Plan a simple menu and prepare foods you’ve made before. Cook what you can a day before. If your party is really large, think about hiring someone to help with serving and clean-up.
• If you eat too much, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back on a healthy diet the next day.
• Try to find 30 minutes to exercise at least twice a week. It will reduce stress and help stave off any excess weight. Can’t do 30 minutes at a stretch? Break it up into two 15-minute power walks – one at lunch and one after work.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff! Things don’t have to be perfect. Like I tell my family, “Martha Stewart doesn’t live here anymore!”

Enjoy!

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