Stick with your healthy lifestyle this holiday season

My mom makes the most luscious homemade Christmas candy you've ever tasted. Peanut butter bonbons dipped in chocolate, coconut peaks -- they're a traditional part of our holiday feast. Every year, she says, "I'm not going to make candy this year, none of us need it." And every Christmas, there it is lined up in little rows, calling me to indulge. (And every year, I do.)

I'm not sure exactly how the holidays came to mean overeating, but many people struggle with weight gain during the holiday season. If you want to make this year different, check out this article from Glee magazine with seven tips for making it through the holiday season without gaining a pound. It takes determination, planning, and plenty of willpower, but it can be done.

• Don't fall for family pressure. Decide what you'll put in your mouth, and stick to it.
• Exercise daily.
• Focus on the treats you can have, rather than feeling deprived about what you can't eat.
• Reward yourself with non-food treats.
• Avoid starving yourself before a party so that you can indulge. You'll end up eating more calories in the long run.
• Find support, whether it's in a friend, family member, or online fitness community.
• Gyms aren't very crowded before January. Take advantage by taking a new class or working out on empty equipment.