Each year, the holiday season means reconnecting with our loved ones, finding peace in the bosom of our family, giving and receiving presents, enjoying home-cooked, traditional food and, whether we like it or not, packing on a few extra pounds. This Thanksgiving will probably be no exception, but FitSugar has a better option for us, instead of spending time once the holiday is over to moan having indulged: get up and get going!

It’s no longer a secret that it’s best to prevent than to treat a condition and the same applies to gaining holiday weight. Instead of forgetting everything about our workout routine and diet over this period, FitSugar advocates for moderation and taking the necessary steps to see that what we do these days is not entirely different from what we did last week. What this means is that, instead of indulging and then feeling sorry for it, we should practice moderation and take concrete action towards preventing the pounds from piling.

For more accuracy, this translates into not asking for second helpings at the same sitting and not eliminating exercise altogether from our daily schedule. “After a big meal, go for a brisk walk. Encourage your friends and family to join you too! Don’t deprive yourself during the holidays, as this may lead to overindulging later. Treat yourself to a healthy dessert on the weekends like pumpkin bars. Try limiting yourself to one drink a cocktail party or dinner. If you do have more than one drink, alternate between water and alcohol, and opt for sparkling wine, it has way less calories than a cocktail.” FitSugar recommends.

“Find a workout buddy this holiday season. Exercising and staying fit is easier if you have someone in your corner rooting you on. If you’re worried about overdoing it at a holiday dinner, have a healthy snack like an apple or a handful of nuts before you go. This will help fill you up and reduce cravings. If you really don’t have time to exercise during this hectic season find small ways to be active. Use the stairs when you go shopping and park your car as far away from the store entrance as you can so you walk further.” the same fitness-oriented publication says.

Another useful tip is not to wallow in guilt if we can’t help and have one too many servings of mother’s pie. Instead of that, we should allot ten minutes (and not more) thinking of why we found it so hard to resist temptation and making a decision not to repeat the same mistake again, and then simply let go of that thought.