The holiday season doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your weight-loss goals.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club Inc., offers these tips:

Don’t go hungry. Before you head out to that holiday party, have a light snack of a low-fat, high-fiber food – Yogurt, an apple with a teaspoon of peanut butter, a piece of string cheese, or vegetables with low-calorie dip – a half-hour before you go. This will help curb your appetite and make it easier to control your intake.

Treat yourself. There’s no need to ban your favorites; decide what you want to try and then set a limit.

Cakes, cookies and pies are available year-round, so indulge in small portions of only the best seasonal, holiday foods. Just a taste of something special can be enough to quell a craving without going overboard.

Take control. Offer to bring a low-calorie dish or platter to holiday gatherings. By preparing something that you know fits into your meal plan, you’ll have at least one healthy item on hand, and other guests will likely appreciate it.

Slow your pace. Eat slowly until you are satisfied, not stuffed. It takes about 20 minutes for your body to signal that you’re feeling full, so enjoy each bite and give yourself time to know when you’ve had enough. You’ll likely consume less than usual.

Mind your beverages. Drink plenty of water to help feel full and hydrated. Adding a twist of lemon or lime to sparkling water is a lively alternative to alcohol and coffee drinks, which can actually make you feel sluggish.

Alcohol can also impair your judgment and make it difficult to stick to healthy eating resolutions. If you drink, choose light beers and wines, and limit your intake to one or two drinks per occasion. Avoid too much high-calorie seasonal favorites like eggnog, punch and full-fat hot chocolate.

Pair up with a friend. Buddies can help keep each other on track. Lean on each other for encouragement to resist tempting treats or power through a workout.

Remember, you’re not the only one refraining from holiday overindulgence.

Keep moving. It’s easy to let workouts fall by the wayside. If you aren’t able to set aside time each day for exercise, commit to at least 30 minutes three days per week.

Many people continue their regular walking or jogging schedules year-round, but also consider walking in malls or the building where you work. Indoor pools, weight-workout rooms, tracks and basketball courts are commonly available in community facilities and schools.

Municipal ice skating rinks, both indoors and out, offer a change of pace from the usual routine, while cross-country skiing and hiking let you build up your strength while enjoying nature’s beauty.

Maintaining a workout routine also can help you manage holiday stress by releasing “feel-good” endorphins and provide a “timeout” from stress.

Make adequate sleep - seven to eight hours - a priority, especially during this busy season. Getting enough rest can help repair your body, keep you mentally sharp, and enable you to be more productive.

Make friends and family a priority. Although food and drinks can be a big part of the holiday season, they don’t have to be the focus.

Set aside time to spend with good friends and family, making memories that make the holidays worthwhile.

Keep your perspective. Be realistic and maintain a long-term view of your weight-loss goals. Overeating one day won’t make or break your plans; just aim to eat healthy and in moderation the next day.

Dieting can be especially difficult during the holidays. Focus on maintaining your present weight and look toward the new year as a fresh start.

Remember, there will be many more holidays to enjoy. For more information, visit www.tops.org.