Repeat this during December: Moderation is the key; moderation is the key.

The average person gains anywhere from one to eight pounds over the holiday season and this weight isn&t something that most people lose. Instead of struggling to work off the weight, take preventative measures to keep the weight gain from every happening.

The first thing to do is plan ahead before going out. Make a resolution before the parties start this year. Decide when you can incorporate your workout. Develop a contingency plan if you can&t work out.

For instance, if you can&t make it to the gym in the morning, try to do some crunches at your house in the morning and take a jog in the evening.

The surgeon general recommends &sticking to the regular exercise routine as much as possible. Especially during the holidays, plan physical activity routine in advance (don&t leave it up to chance). Mark it on the calendar and consider it as important as any other appointment. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity daily, and more if possible.&

Another important habit is to not starve all day until the party. Starving will slow the body&s metabolism, making it more difficult to burn the calories later. Eating small, nutritious meals will help burn the calories, not keep them.

At parties, try to fill up first on the healthier choices first and then have some less healthy fares. There&s always a vegetable tray. If you feel satisfied, you won&t want to chow down on the deep-fried chicken wings and cheetos.

&Eat foods that are high in fiber to help you feel full. Whole grain cereals, legumes (lentils and beans), vegetables, and fruits are good sources of fiber that may help you feel full with fewer calories,& says the Center for Disease Control.

This doesn&t sound fun but lay off of the alcohol. One Bacardi and Coke has 150-200 calories. Three Bacardi and Coke&s are enough calories for a whole meal. Instead, try alternatives, like the diet coke. Instead of soda, drink water.

If making your own food, use lower fat ingredients in place of high fat. For instance, use yogurt instead of sour cream or applesauce in place of some oil in baked goods. Other foods to incorporate are skim milk in place of whole

Between stressing over finals, trying to find a job and paying the rent, it can be very easy to grab the double bacon cheeseburger. A better alternative would be to pack some healthy alternatives to the fast food. Fruits are easy, fast and inexpensive. Throw a banana in your backpack instead of chips. If you can spare five minutes, slice an apple and bring some peanut butter to dip it in.

Here are some tips from Weight Watchers to help keep away those evil pounds:

Don&t skip breakfast. You&ve probably heard it over and over, but Lola O&Rourke, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, says that this is key to a smart weight-loss program.

&You&ll be less likely to binge if you fuel your body early,& she says.

Chew gum while preparing food. Those little &tastes& add up. Chew mint gum, which will keep you from noshing pieces of cheese or pinches of seasoned meat.

Give yourself permission to snack. Love your grandma&s latkes? Work them into your plan. Saying &no& to foods you love is unnecessary and will only make you crave them more.

Keep your hands busy. Wrap gifts or wash vegetables in the kitchen. Go out and play touch football. If you keep yourself busy, there are fewer opportunities to eat.

Take small bites and leave some food uncut on your plate. Pre-cut food is easier to eat quickly. Cut your food one bite at a time and take small pauses in between swallows.

Pile on the lettuce. Avoid eating seconds by filling your plate with lettuce and fresh veggies.

With a little will power and moderation, you can enjoy your holiday treats and still enjoy your same pant size.