The holiday pound exchange. The Christmas cookie layer. The Santa belly. The holiday bonus. Call it what you like, but gaining a few pounds (or more) over the holiday season is as much a tradition as throwing away fruitcake or crowded mall parking lots. Keep a few things in mind to avoid adding “sled handles” to your winter physique

Only eat the REALLY good stuff

This means politely passing or discretely trashing many home baked treats or party options. Remember calories you don’t enjoy are just as potent as those you do.

Get Fierce

During the holidays you’re not likely to have more time to workout, so the best way to keep the calorie balance in your favor is to ramp up the intensity. Add hills and/or sprint intervals to your cardio routine.  Try jumping rope or mountain climbers between strength sets. Do power yoga moves instead of your usual static stretches.

Weigh yourself

Even if you usually don’t keep track of your poundage, it’s a good idea to weigh yourself at least once a week during the holiday season. The scale is an early warning device and will let you know if you have been enjoying a little too much cheer.  Get a baseline, aim to stay within two to four pounds of that weight and make changes if you get too far off track.

Add nightly walks

Get out and enjoy all the lights, holly and inflatable Santa’s your neighbors went to so much trouble to put up. Even if you’re a scrooge at heart, it’s difficult not to enjoy the magical holiday transformation of your hood (while you burn a few extra calories along the way).

Ask Santa for a fitness treat

Stylish new gear or cutting edge equipment will get you excited to get started on your fittest year ever. Bring on the Champagne flavored Gatorade!