For many, it’s the most magical time of the year. But for recent sleeve surgery patients, it’s also the most tempting time of the year. Family get-togethers, office parties, and dinners are brimming with mashed potatoes, apple pie, cocktails, stuffed turkey, honey ham, chocolate, and so much more.

So what’s the key to withstanding temptation and enjoying the holiday season? Here are a few tips.

1. Don’t skip meals.

You might think skipping meals will give you permission to indulge at a party or dinner later on, but this is the path to rapid weight gain. Your body needs routine nutrition and if you’re approaching a meal starving, after not eating all day, the last thing on your mind will be eating healthy.

2. Mind the basics.

The holidays are not a golden ticket to larger portion sizes. The same rules apply. Focus on meeting your daily protein needs, eating plenty of vegetables, and keeping meals consistent. Following these basic rules will help you avoid overeating.

3. Avoid mindlessly eating.

Try to keep eating and socializing separate. If you’re having a conversation, put your plate aside and focus on enjoying their company. When you’re ready to focus on eating, eat slowly and savor each bite.

4. Keep a distance between yourself and the buffet table and kitchen.

Once you’ve filled your plate with food, move away from the buffet table. Standing next to it for the duration of the party can lead to mindless snacking.

5. Limit alcohol intake.

Alcoholic beverages are full of sugar and empty calories. It’s healthier and more satisfying to eat your calories, rather than drink them. In addition, alcohol can lead to dehydration and overindulging at the buffet table. Recent bariatric surgery patients may be more sensitive to alcohol, with its effects coming on sooner than usual due to the weight loss.

6. Stay hydrated — with water!

Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. Carry a water bottle with you to remind you to stay hydrated.

7. Exercise.

Schedules are busier during the holiday season, making it difficult to maintain exercise routines. To help maintain a regular exercise routine, block out an hour or two at the same time each day to keep you from filling up that time with other activities. Consider inviting family members to exercise with you.

8. Bring your own healthy dish to share.

Bring a dish of steamed vegetables or cut fruit to ensure each gathering has healthy food options for everyone to enjoy.

9. “Health-ify” your favorite recipes.

If you’re used to slathering on the sauce or being generous with the salt and sugar, then here are a few ways to make your recipes healthier this holiday season:

• Replace whole milk with skim milk when making mashed potatoes.
• Use fat-free cream in your soup, rather than the full fat cream.
• Substitute sugar with unsweetened applesauce, honey, or noncaloric sweeteners.
• Replace butter and gravy with garlic, spices and herbs.
• Combine 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup butter to replace one cup of butter in a recipe.
• When baking your favorite holiday treats, replace each egg with two egg whites, and substitute heavy cream with evaporated skim milk.