Christmas is usually the deal breaker for those on a strict diet and those trying to stay fit. With Christmas parties left and right, maintaining you ideal weight can be a chore. Because admit it, who can resist eating a a Christmas party or during Noche Buena where practically all the most delicious — and most sinful — food are served?

Here are a dozen ways that can help you stay on track, keep fit, enjoy the Christmas season, and not face the New Year looking like Santa!

1. EAT A LIGHT MEAL BEFORE YOU GO TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY – Arriving at a party with a full or half-full stomach lessens your chances of attacking the buffet table. But it’s the season to celebrate and you don’t want to be a kill joy and refuse to eat the food your host prepared, right? Here’s what you can do: choose the healthiest food option available. Pick fish instead of pork or choose veggie sticks instead of calamares!

2. STAY HYDRATED – Practice drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. This will help you stay full and help curb your appetite. Drinking lots of water also promotes good food circulation and transportation of nutrients in the body.

3. DRINK WISELY - If you’re going to drink alcohol, opt for a light beer or a glass of wine instead of that calorie-packed punch or margarita. Cocktail drinks are basically a mix of distilled spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Also, try limiting your intake to just a bottle or two.

4. STAY ACTIVE - Christmas usually means off-season for most athletes, but that doesn’t mean you should stop doing any physical activity. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. It doesn’t have to be intense; it can be just a 30-minute run/walk to keep your metabolism going. This way, come next season, you won’t be that far off from your peak form and you’ll be able get back in the game easily.

5. GO SHOPPING – Make sure you roam and visit ever stall possible at a tiangge or your favorite shopping mall. Not only will you find the best bargains, you’ll also be burning more calories.

6. RE-GIVE THE FOOD GIFTS - And not just the fruit cake, please. We also mean the cookies, cakes, pies, chocolates, etc. If you happen to receive any of these and you know you’ll just be tempted to wolf them down, why not just give them away to someone who needs it more than you do?

7. GET OUT THERE AND RIDE YOUR BIKE - Christmas is a good time to do epic 100-kilometer rides. Get out of the house, ride, and make the most of the cool weather.

8. TAKE THE STAIRS WHENEVER POSSIBLE - At a local shopping mall, instead of using the elevator or the escalator, look for the stairs and use it. This way, you can sneak in a mini cardio workout while shopping!

9. PARK AT THE FARTHEST SPOT YOU CAN FIND - Ever tried going to the mall on Christmas season? Parking is usually a drag right? Everyone is trying to find the nearest parking slot available to the entrance. Do the exact opposite and find the farthest possible parking slot! If possible try parking on the roof level parking, too. Doing so not only enables you to start your shopping earlier but also get in a mini brisk walk session, too.

10. DANCE. BOP. SWAY. - Instead of lounging in the couch or drinking beer at a party, why not hit the dance floor and dance the night away? Dancing is a good way to exercise and have fun at the same time. Also, remember to stay hydrated when you’re dancing and drink water instead of alcohol to quench your thirst!

11. THROW A PARTY - Throwing your own party enables you to pick all the food and drinks that’s going to be served. Plus, you’re sure to burn a lot of calories as you prepare for your big event. At the party, try organizing a lot of games that involve activities such as dancing and running around. If you can, try joining your contests, too.

12. BUY YOURSELF A SPORTY GIFT – Get yourself a brand new bike, a new pair of running shoes, or a pair of dumbbells. And you don’t have to wait ’til Christmas to use them!