Most people over-indulge at some point during the holiday season. Rich, traditional meals eaten on one or two days of the year wont harm you, but the trouble is that the holiday season can go on and on, with new temptations every day. Follow these easy healthy holiday eating tips to maintain a healthier diet

• Keep an eye on serving sizes
  Its not so much what you eat that does the damage, its how much you eat. Put plenty of vegetables on your plate and a smaller amount of meat. Enjoy all the festive treats, but savour them in small quantities: one spoonful of cream rather than a big dollop, a thin sliver of cheese not a wedge, two chocolates, not six.

• Beware of buffets
  A laden table is temptation indeed. Have a healthy snack an hour or so before you go to the party, to take the edge off your appetite. Take along a healthy dish to share. Use a small plate, and fill it just once. Go easy on meat, and stack up the salads and vegetables, with just a small portion of mayo or creamy dressing.

• Control snacks
  Food thats easily accessible surprise gets eaten! Dont leave bowls of nuts or candy out at all times. Buy nuts in the shell, which makes them harder to eat on impulse. Do keep a well-filled bowl of fresh fruit always available.

• Keep eating fruit and vegetables
  Enjoy the freshness of raw fruits and vegetables. They make a great contrast to richer foods. Serve a platter of vegetable crudits before every meal. Everyone enjoys picking at them, and they leave less room for the goodies to follow. End the meal with a beautifully arranged dish of fresh fruit. Choose exotics like star fruit, lychees, pomegranate, pineapple, mango for luscious flavour and visual appeal.

• Stay on track
  If youre anxious not to gain weight over the holidays and who isnt? get into the habit of having just a couple of unhealthy goodies every day, in the weeks leading up to, and immediately after, the big festive days. Have fun choosing what youll enjoy each day, linger over the treat, then put the box away. And to do your holiday healthy a final favour, get up off the couch at least once a day, and take a brisk 30 minute walk.