Timi Gustafson R.D., a health expert and contributing writer, is now taking health-related questions from readers at: timi@thehealthydiner.com. The following is the first in a new series where she answers questions about health and lifestyle.

Dear Timi: The Holidays are around the corner. For me it has never been the happiest time of the year since I have gained more weight with every season, to the point where I have given up on attempting any form of damage control. Should I just accept the unavoidable and start over with dieting and exercise next year, or is there any way for me to navigate around the temptations and not gain weight this time around?

Dear apprehensive reader: Yes, you can beat the odds and avoid weight gain. I don’t recommend starting a diet at this time. Maintenance should be your goal. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Stay focused on only eating small portions of the things you love. Don’t waste calories on foods you don’t care for, such as hors d’oeuvres or desserts you don’t know or especially like. Try a bit -– and only a bit -– of the ones you can’t resist.

2. Remember that deprivation is a sure way to set you up for failure. Don’t try to be perfect, but stay in control. Don’t beat yourself up when things get out of control. Take a deep breath and start over. Self-control and discipline do not build overnight. Don’t expect the “new you” to emerge out of nowhere. You have to work on it for a long time and be ready to accept failure once in a while. But don’t give up.

3. Don’t go to any of the parties you’re planning to attend on an empty stomach. Instead, eat a small but healthy snack before you go out. This way you won’t be ravenous when you approach the bar and buffet settings. Don’t spend too much time lingering in the areas where the food is served. Engage in conversation and activities (such as dancing) to take your mind off eating and drinking.

4. When you visit family and friends, make the focus of your visit to be with the people instead of the food. Don’t allow yourself to get talked into second and third helpings. If a “no thank you” doesn’t work, look your aunt right in the eye and wish her a happy holiday and make it clear by any means necessary that you cannot possibly eat another thing and that it was all wonderful.

5. There is nothing wrong with a little extra holiday cheer. However, be aware that alcohol affects your judgment and your determination. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages themselves are loaded with calories. Eggnog can have over 400 calories per cup. Have a few refills of those and you do real damage to yourself. It’s a good idea to drink a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage to cut down on the number of drinks you have throughout the evening. Better yet, be the designated driver, thereby dodging the calories and keeping the roads safe!

6. The holidays, for all their cheer and joyfulness, can also cause a great deal of stress. Even though this may sound simplistic, it’s important that you get some rest and some extra sleep. If you have a few days off, make good use of your time. Eat healthy, nutritious foods. Sit down and have a real breakfast in the morning, so you won’t feel hungry before it’s time for the next meal. Exercise! Go for long walks. Take some time just for yourself, because this is what the Holiday Season is all about – or, at least, what it ought to be.

Happy Holidays!