As I’ve said before, it’s not so much what you eat on the actual holiday that’s the problem. It’s what you eat all the other days around the holiday what matter. And with so many food-based holidays grouped together at the end of the year, it’s easy to overeat.

It’s also easy to fall into the mindset of “I’ve eaten so much already that it doesn’t matter. I’ll just get back on track in January.” As I tell my clients, use your very next opportunity to get back on track. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that you’ll make it happen. Do it now and think about it afterward.

This is the perfect time of year to ramp up your accountability. Keep a food diary for a few days. You may think you know everything you eat; dollars to donuts you don’t. Writing it down is like looking in a mirror: you’ll see a clear picture of what’s really going on.

Use the buddy system to help keep you on track. Plan regular check-ins with a like-minded friend. Use the time to review your food diary or just talk through how you’ve been eating. If you’re doing a lot of baking, do it together and make a pact to not lick every bowl or eat every broken cookie.

Speaking of broken cookies: every single bite counts. Really. I love Cooking Light’s “What The Cook Nibbled”. How many calories do you think you eat while preparing a holiday meal? Would almost 800 calories surprise you? I pulled out my calculator to check their math – it all adds up!

Surround yourself with healthy food. I keep plenty of vegetable-based soups in my freezer so I always have a quick & easy meal. This Gingered Carrot & Edamame Soup takes very little time & skill to make and it freezes beautifully.