Since banning foods you love during the holidays will most likely result in bingeing and gaining, have a little bit of what you really want and think about the guilt you'll feel if you overdo it. "Let that be your motivation to stick to your diet plan and increase your physical activity to burn off any of those extra calories."

Berman suggests the following tips to help keep your diet and fitness plan on track during the season of eating:

* Plan Workout's In Advance -- Having a set schedule and planning to stick to it will give you a positive focus during the food-filled holidays, and you'll be less likely to skip workout's if you see it as a set date with yourself. "The holidays can make schedules extremely hectic, so carve a time out to exercise each day or several days per week just like you would make an appointment to have your nails done," adds Berman.

* Indulge Yourself -- The holidays are hard enough without the added stress of do's and don'ts; from do continue to exercise, to don't eat that, it truly is a battle of wills. Don't forbid foods you love! This will make you agonize over what you can't have, instead, have one bite or a small portion and just avoid seconds.

* Fill Up First -- Don't go to gatherings on an empty stomach, advises Berman. "When you're starving, your eyes are so much bigger than your stomach and you're more likely to make the wrong food choices. Before you leave for a gathering, eat something small like a piece of fruit or a yogurt."

* Solids, Not Liquids -- Some of the biggest gut busters during the holiday season are those extra cocktails. "Alcohol in moderation is fine, but remember that these are empty calories that go straight to your head -- and your waistline," adds Berman.

* Diss Discouragement -- Everyone has bad days ... bad weeks even! Just don't give up. If the holidays make you a cheating mess, don't beat yourself up, it's too late. Just pick up that diet and exercise plan where you left off and get right back on track.