Keeping the weight down during the holiday season is no easy task. It seems like everywhere you look, there is an inviting buffet waiting to be tasted. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, it's basically chowtime; and when January 2 rolls around, the annual resolution to lose weight or eat healthy starts again.

Even with impeccable willpower, the holiday season is always tempting and challenging for everyone. According to the Mayo Clinic, holiday weight gain is approximately five pounds (2.3 kilograms) for the average person. Regardless of the weight you put on, getting the pounds off is usually twice as hard.

According to experts, it's not always about being tempted by the food, there are also emotions related to the season that trigger feelings of anxiety, restlessness, other personal issues and the like that can surface, which makes people more vulnerable to lack of control that may lead to overeating.

The good news is that there are a number of strategies and tips you can keep in mind to avoid the holiday weight gain.

1.    Be active - There is no way around it, you cannot be a couch potato. One of the healthiest and most effective ways to beat the weight is through regular aerobic activities that will burn those excess calories. Once you've got the routine in place, you'll think twice about having an extra Christmas cookie because you know how many minutes you need to jog to lose those calories.

2.    Portion Control - Webmd.com emphasizes that starvation isn't the key, rather it's portion control. Monitoring your servings is important because it allows you to try the food without over-indulging. Try the different types of food that you want, but like everything in life, it should be done in moderation. When exercising portion control, it would help if you choose a smaller plate so you will have limited space to pile on the food.

3.    Be Selective - Don't just dive into the buffet and grab everything in sight. Take the time to canvas the whole spread before settling on what you will eat. For example, if you already have potatoes, avoid getting another type of carbohydrate and focus on getting a balanced portion of fiber and protein. Be mindful and avoid getting food you don't want because in the end, you'll eat something you don't like and be prone to cravings that could lead to trouble later on. Similar to the advice on serving sizes, there is no harm in getting what you want but exercise restraint and control.

4.    Avoid Snacking - By munching on those little salty treats hosts leave around, keep in mind you'll be wasting your calorie intake. If you're looking for munchies, steer yourself towards the raw veggies that will fill your tummy with healthy alternatives. Relatedly, avoid those extra creamy sauces and toppings that are only going to add unnecessary calories.

5.    Take Something Before Heading Out - Before leaving the house, prepare a healthy salad or snack that will fill you. This tip will enable you to limit your intake during events and festivities.

Remember that the holidays are meant to be a special time to celebrate with friends and family. Keep these tips in mind and you will be able to maximize the fun while maintaining your weight loss goals.