The holiday season is here, and so are holiday events and celebrations with friends and family. While these changes in your typical, everyday routine might present some challenges, it’s important not to allow your health-focus to stop. Remember, consistency in what you do is key. You’ve worked hard to establish your healthy habits and behaviors. Allow them to support you in maintaining your health focus, even during the holidays. Sarah Bush Lincoln Registered Dietitian Michelle Schultz offers these suggestions.

Keep your daily routines in place as best as you can. The fewer the disruptions, the easier it will be to follow through with actions that you’ll feel good about.

Don’t skip meals. This can lead to overeating, just as arriving to your event hungry can. Strive to follow your typical meal schedule. Consider a light snack ahead of your event to take the edge off hunger and to prevent overindulging when you arrive.

Watch portions. Don’t deprive yourself, but stay focused on mindful portions of all food selections. Make it a goal to consume protein first.

Eat at a slow pace. Spend at least 20 minutes on meals. This will not only encourage taking small bites for tolerance, but rushing can lead to overeating.

Avoid socializing around food. This will cut down on unnecessary nibbling.

Bring a healthy dish to share. This assures there will be at least one healthy option for you to enjoy.

Stay up on your water. Hydration is important all the time and this will lessen consumption of holiday beverages that are rich in calories you don’t need.

Schedule time to exercise. Find ways to stay active, even during the holiday season.