The holidays are a time for joy, family, and… endless platters of tempting treats. However, it can also be a challenging time when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. With all those festive treats and indulgent meals, it’s easy to overeat and lose track of your nutritional goals. Additionally, most of us like to joke that calories don’t count during the festive season, meaning we can eat and drink as much as we want without feeling guilty. That said, is it possible to adopt healthy eating during the holidays and have fun at the same time?

Your Guide to Healthy Eating During the Holidays

Andrea Delgado, a dietitian at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., says that by paying attention to how much you eat and how often, you can make healthy food choices during the holidays.

Pay attention to how much and how often you’re eating

Delgado advises that right before the holidays may not be the best time to go on a diet. Instead, during holiday festivities, she suggests paying attention to how much and how often you’re eating, and to try to eat smaller meals rather than fasting before going to a party.

“When we skip meals, we tend to be much hungrier when we arrive at a party or social gathering,” Delgado says. “Eat a small, balanced meal or snack before going to the event.”

Choose healthy options but be kind to yourself

Try to choose the healthiest options at a holiday feast, but do not scold yourself if you do overindulge. “It’s OK to make a plan moving forward for the next party,” Delgado says.

Don’t forget to hydrate

Staying hydrated is also important, and water is the best choice, she says. “Often what we neglect most is staying hydrated, and we choose sugary beverages, which can add a lot of added calories; empty calories that we can save by drinking water,” Delgado says.

Do not overindulge

Unfortunately, overindulging during the holidays can tip some people who are on the verge of a medical diagnosis into one. “Maybe now we have a new diagnosis of high cholesterol or a new diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes because, even though we only did it for a short period, it was enough that we were close enough to be diagnosed with these new conditions,” she says.

By paying attention to what you are eating, and how much, it is possible to focus on healthy eating during the holidays and still have a good time. “Enjoy your holiday meal,” Delgado says. “There’s never an all-or-nothing approach in nutrition. You can still enjoy everything in moderation.”