Establish goals

If you have a winter vacation to a warm location scheduled after the holidays, use it to reinforce your determination to keep current weight levels intact. A special holiday dress will also serve as inspiration to shed weight or keep additional pounds at bay. Take a picture of yourself in the party dress or vacation bathing suit and post it on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror as a reminder of the anticipated good time.

Keep appropriate snacks and drinks on hand

Dedicate one area in the refrigerator to sugar-free puddings and gelatins, yogurt, precut vegetables and any other low-calorie items for easy access when hunger pangs strike between meals. Keep a pantry shelf reserved for pretzels, crackers and preferred low-calorie snacks. Substitute hot tea or bullion for cocoa, Starbucks and other high-calorie drinks. Continue the good habit of drinking adequate water. A heated home enhances potential dehydration.

Nothing makes us want to overeat like feeling deprived. During holiday celebrations, have a little of everything. Cut back on eating the day before and the day after a special occasion to compensate for the indulgence. You are likely to have more fun, feel less deprived and keep determination about weight control over the long haul.