Who among us hasn't plowed through the holidays in seasons past, to emerge on the other side of them flustered about gaining those extra pounds? Here are some tips to help keep you focused on avoiding the resolution to lose those holiday pounds.

The most important first step in maintaining your weight for the holidays is planning ahead. Prior to attending parties, be sure to eat something small to curb your appetite. Do not show up to the buffet table with a hungry stomach and feasting eyes. Choose one or two selections to indulge in and make them count. If you can eat cheese and crackers the rest of the year, why not fill up on small piece of pumpkin pie instead, and skip the additional calories? Here is where portion control becomes important, serve yourself on a plate rather than grazing over the goody table. By eating from your own plate it gives you a sense of control and a knowledge of exactly how much you have eaten. By giving yourself permission to sample seasonal treats, you may find yourself less likely to throw in the towel and binge for the entire eight weeks.

Finally, don't overdo it with the alcohol. Drinking large glasses of water both prior to eating and in between alcoholic beverages, will keep your appetite at bay, your body properly hydrated, and your dignity intact, not to mention preventing the dreaded hangover. Happy holidays and bon appetite!

If you've ever considered in years gone by what it might be like to create new and healthier family traditions for the holidays, you are not alone. Here are some suggestions to build fun, memorable, and active memories with your loved ones this holiday season.

It may be cold outside but that's a perfect reason to get your blood pumping with bouts of outdoor activity. Instead of throwing a potluck party, try going snowshoeing, have a snowman building contest, or create the tradition of an annual snow ball fight. If you already have a fitness routine, with the arrival of the holidays, you may have to be flexible with your schedule. For example, try working out early in the morning so your schedule doesn't interfere with festivities. Or instead of working out five days a week as usual, do your usual routine for three and opt for active time with loved ones in place of the other two. Spending time with loved ones need not be in front of the TV, a buffet table, or braving the shopping malls. Why not invite them with you to go for a brisk walk, and enjoy their company while raising your metabolism?

Last, but not least, you could always engage in the spirit of the season by offering to shovel snow for a neighbor in need. This activity is great for burning calories and it will give you broader sense of accomplishment doing so on behalf of someone in need.

The holidays are fast approaching bringing good cheer, shopping deals, and for many, an unhealthy dose of anxiety and stress. Let's face it, the holidays aren't always full of joy and goodwill. To keep yourself from the stresses of the season, consider practicing the art of meditation.

When performed on a regular basis, meditation is attributed with many benefits including: a marked reduction in stress hormones, increased ability to deal with events that would normally irritate us, and improved concentration and creative abilities. Who couldn't use more of those qualities this holiday season? Among all of the hustle and bustle this year, give yourself (and your loved ones) the gift of setting aside just thirty minutes a day for quieting your mind. Light a candle, turn off your cell phone, and quietly enter your inner sanctuary. Take a few deep breaths. Pay attention to the quality of your breath as it moves into your lungs, pauses, and then moves back out again. As thoughts arise, do not become distracted. Rather, observe them as you would observe a cloud passing through an open sky. By observing your mind this way, you will find yourself relaxed and largely unaffected by the myriad of thoughts bombarding you at every moment.

This practice, along with reducing your stress this holiday, will make it possible to take in the magic, beauty, and true spirit of the season. I can think of no greater gift for yourself, or for others.