Marisa Moore, RDN, shares her tips on avoiding holiday eating pitfalls

Do you hear the faint sound of jingle bells? You know what that means: the holidays are around the corner. Sure, there are jolly times with friends and family ahead, but it also means tons of once-a-year treats—and for some, extra pounds. To help stave off those jolly jiggles, we chatted with Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, who you may recognize from appearances on “The Dr. Oz Show” and CNN.

According to Moore, a resident of Grant Park since 2012, although we might feel like we’ve doubled in size by the time the holidays are over, we typically only gain one to two pounds during the holiday season. So, while you don’t want to ruin the hard work you’ve put in the rest of the year, you also don’t need to fret…too much, anyway. Here are Moore’s top six holiday eating tips:

1. Focus on the foods you really enjoy. “Not everything is good at the potluck,” she says. Don’t just eat it because it’s there.

2. Keep tempting treats out of the house. Seeing food can trigger you to eat it, and the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” is applied perfectly here. Did your neighbor drop off a tin of cookies? Take those sweets to work and avoid the temptation of noshing at home.

3. When you get to a party, survey the scene first before diving head first into the buffet. “Start with a plate of crudités and front load with the nutritious food,” suggests Moore. “We tend to go for the higher-calorie items, but try to get the lighter stuff, too.”

4. While you can’t “eat” this tip, it’s important to mention that you need to watch your sleep during the holidays. “It’s a fun time, but very stressful. The social calendar builds up and wreaks havoc on the body.” Moore explains that a lack of sleep disrupts our hormones and triggers carb cravings. So don’t be afraid to stay in and get some Zs!

5. Sweet, sugary drinks are part and parcel of celebrating the holidays. While you might be tempted to sip on a peppermint mocha while you’re out shopping, if you absolutely can’t resist a dessert-worthy beverage, opt for something lighter, like a spritzer, at a friend’s holiday party.

6. Don’t forget to exercise! It’s not a license to over-indulge and won’t counter all of the calories you’ve taken in, but don’t let the season be an excuse to not exercise, either. Moore suggests swapping out meet-ups with friends over food for walks on the BeltlLine or a nearby park. Atlanta only cools off for a little bit, so put the eggnog down and get outside!

You can learn more about Marisa Moore and see her recipes at marisamoore.com.

STORY: Lia Picard