The holidays are coming up, and that means spending time with family, festivities, and most importantly, good food! If you're a foodie like me, the food is definitely one of the best parts of the holidays.

Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, etc. However, with such good food (and lots of it!), many of us find that we gain a few extra pounds after the holidays. Here are some tips to help stave off the holiday weight gain!

1. Drink water.

Don't give in to sodas or cider. Drink water, especially right before you eat because the extra water can help you feel more full and you'll eat less food. Plus water is better for digestion.

2. Sign up for holiday-themed 5ks.

You can always find fun runs and walks during the holidays, and because of the festive themes, you won't feel like it's actual exercise! Round up a group of friends or family members and make it a holiday tradition.

3. Don't go back for seconds.

Put what you really want to eat on your plate and stick to that one plate. Don't go back for seconds (or thirds).

4. Load up on protein and veggies.

While it may be tempting to go for the rolls and mashed potatoes, stick with the proteins and veggies for a healthier meal.

5. Don't completely deprive yourself.

Be sure to indulge a little and have some dessert. Just don't go crazy. If you crave something and don't give in just a little, you'll find yourself compensating later.

6. Chew slowly and methodically.

When you chew your food slower, your brain can keep up with your stomach when it tells you it's full.

7. Weigh yourself throughout the holiday season.

Weigh yourself every few days or once a week to keep up with any weight fluctuations that could be food-related.

8. Practice willpower.

When your Aunt Susan comes over with truffles that you just have to try, just politely say no thank you.

9. Set aside time during a 24-hour period where you will not eat.

This is a minor form of fasting, but it tends to work. Say you decide not to eat from 9 pm to 7 am. That's 10 hours of the day where you're not eating and your body is spending energy without taking any in.

10. Do not keep treats easily accessible and in plain view.

If you see the truffles or brownies, you'll want to eat them. But if you keep them in a cabinet, you will forget about them (for the most part.)

Most importantly, enjoy your holidays and the food! But follow these tips to stave off the unwanted extra pounds.