The holidays can be a fun and festive time of the year. But all of this extra eating and drinking can sometimes catch up with us — here are some tips to prevent gaining weight over the holidays.

1. Watch Your Portions
It can be challenging to keep your portion sizes in check during the few big holiday dinners — understandably so, as there is so much to choose from! But the rest of the season, try to keep your meals and snacks to reasonable amounts for your body.

2. Keep a Food and Drink Journal
We can often forget or lose track of what we eat and drink — especially small bites and sips here and there that add up. You can go old school with a journal or use a food tracking app on a smartphone.

3. Move Your Body
Even if it’s cold and gloomy outside, moving your body will help both your physical and mental health over the holiday season. You can even try to make it fun and festive, like ice skating or sledding.

4. Eat Before You Go
Eating a protein- and fiber-rich snack before any holiday party or function is a great way to ensure you don’t overeat at the event — especially if you tend to fill up on chips-and-dip type appetizers first thing.

5. Prioritize Sleep
Despite some potentially later nights during the holiday season, prioritizing good sleep is essential for both your health and your weight. Aim for at least 7 hours each night.

6. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Last but not least, staying hydrated with water is one of the simplest ways to maintain a healthy weight — and it can keep your alcohol intake in check, too. A good goal is to drink your body weight divided in half, in ounes. (For example, if you weigh 150-pounds, aim for 75 ounces per day.)