1. Stay active - Staying active during this time of year is so important, especially if you want to prevent those extra pounds from creeping in. That is the only way you will be able to enjoy that special meal on Christmas day and still be on track when it comes to your goals. If you're like me after I have trained, gone for a jog or walk, biked or did any other sort of exercising, I want to eat better. Who wants to go backwards after working so hard? Make your workouts a top priority.

2. Prepare - Plan your meals and be consistent. Make sure you are eating 5 to 6 small meals a day every 3 hours to keep your metabolism burning strong. This will help with any cravings you might have and help you say "no" to holiday snacks in the office. Always be prepared and have all your meals with you when you leave your home.

3. Pre-party planning - Before you go to holiday parties, have something healthy to eat; e.g. a protein shake, a small meal of chicken or turkey breast with veggies, or a fruit with some raw nuts.

4. Control portions - Portion control is something we are not as aware of as we should be. Remember when you go to your holiday party to use a smaller plate that holds less. Your protein should only be the size of your hand and veggies 1/2 - 1 cup, and only 1 dessert please.

5. Sleep - Get enough sleep so your body will have time to recover and heal itself. Not getting enough sleep makes us feel hungry. Get at least 8 hours a night.

6. Log your eating - Log what you are eating. Keeping a journal will surely keep you on track, if you have goals to stay fit and healthy this holiday season. Or you can join a website that tracks calories, carbs, protein and fat. You will know exactly how many calories you are eating every day.

7. Eat whole grains - Stay away from white bread and pasta. These are the evils of all evils. White flour will just spike your blood sugar and you will eat more later on because you will feel unsatisfied. Stick with whole grains or even better Ezekiel bread, which is sprouted, keeping many beneficial enzymes intact.

8. Get plenty of protein - You need your protein. Make sure you get some protein with each meal so you stay satisfied. Pack some chicken breast when you go out shopping or running errands. This is much healthier than stopping at a fast food chain because you didn't realize you would be out for so long or you get caught in traffic. Planning is everything!

9. Keep good company - Make a friend  with someone who has the same goals as you. If you notice another woman in your office who is fit and enjoys eating clean, become friends so you will have the right moral support.

10. Partner-up - Team up with someone at the gym who wants to take an aerobic or spin class with you. If you know someone is waiting for you at the gym you will not want to let him or her down. Holding each other accountable for support makes a perfect partnership for success.

11. Make a list - Make you a holiday list that will fit your goals for the new year. Include things like fitness shoes, exercise outfits, a gym membership , and/or aerobic DVD's .

12. Pack your bags - Have your gym bag in your car at all times so you can stop at the gym on the way home from work.

13. Avoid sugar - Say "NO" to sugary sweets. Not only will you feel better at the end of the day, but your waistline will stay slim during the holiday as well.

14. Dress sexy & fit - Shopping for a form-fitting sexy dress for the holiday party will definitely keep your nutrition goals on track.  Plus, you will be the envy of the party by showing you are strong and powerful and able to watch what you eat. You will be the belle of the ball.

15. Keep your home healthy - Keep holiday sweets and candy out of your home. You know if it's there you will eat it. Find recipes that are healthy, teach your family that healthy foods can taste good too.

16. Do cardio first - Do your cardio and training first thing in the morning so it is done and out of the way. Then you can enjoy the rest of the day not worrying about getting your workout in. Plus you will want to eat clean since you worked so hard at the gym.

17. Party at the gym - Plan your holiday girl party at the gym doing cardio, training or taking an aerobics class. Make goals with your friends to stay in shape. Dancing is always great way to burn calories.

18. Earn while you burn - Invite your friends to put $20 in a pool and whoever doesn't put on weight during the holidays wins the pot of money.

19. Organize meals - Be organized by cooking your meals ahead of time so you won't have to worry about cooking for a week. Then pack your meals in a cooler when you leave your house.

20. Have guilt free holiday - Remember holidays are only one day. Stay on track the rest of the time so you can enjoy your day without guilt. The day after get back on your meal plan so you can wear that sexy dress for New Years.