As the holidays approach, the fear of holiday weight gain also approaches. Michelle Donovan, a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in Pennsylvania, has some tricks to stay healthy through the holidays.

1. Water

Drink a large glass of water before eating. It helps fill you up, and makes sure you stay hydrated.

2. Plate Size

Use a smaller plate. You can eat up to 25% less when you eat from a 10 inch plate.

3. Buffets

Avoid holiday buffets. You will eat 1/3 more calories when presented with a lot of choices.

4. Trick Your Brain

Chew each bite 12 to 15 times. It helps to slow down how fast you eat, and allows your brain to register how much you have eaten.

5. Fruits and Veggies

Be sure to get your five servings of fruits and vegetables, so you fill up on lower calorie options.

6. Three Meals A Day

Don't skip meals. Your brain has a primitive response to fasting and urges you to eat high fat, high sugar food.

7. Exercise

Keep moving! Don't skip your exercise routine over the holidays. It helps combat calories and stress!

8. Dessert

When trying dessert, share. It cuts the calories in half!

9. Every Other Rule

If you imbibe, drink a glass of water between cocktails. It cuts down on the alcohol and the calories.

10. Alternatives

Eating is a social event, but instead of meeting friends and family for food, go for a walk!