The holiday season is definitely here! Before we could even think about making over our Thanksgiving leftovers folks were bumping “Jackson 5 Christmas” and buying holiday cards. And if you are like me, the party invites have already rolled in too. I love a good party and plan on RSVPing to most (and crashing some), however you can count on one thing: I will enter 2014 the same size I was in 2013. And you can too, here’s how:

Forgive, Forget and Refocus.

So you didn’t lose those last five pounds this year. Don’t beat yourself up…a new year is upon us and you have a better chance dropping those five lbs when eggnog lattes and gingerbread cookies aren’t staring you in the face. Temptation is too strong right now, so unless you are trying to win the title of “Most Willpower In The World,” don’t even go there. Instead focus on why you didn’t reach your goal this year and devise a plan on how you will make the necessary changes in 2013. In the meantime, enjoy the flavors of the season (in moderation of course).

Go Harder Not Longer.

Here’s a better way to keep your dress size in check this holiday season. Spend less time at the gym and increase the intensity of your workouts instead. Basically if you normally ride the elliptical for 30 minutes while reading your favorite magazine, try throwing in some intervals (bursts of high intensity followed by bursts of low intensity or rest). You may have to scale back to 20 minutes or so…but the calories burned both during and after your workout definitely trumps the time you normally spend on cardio autopilot. Don’t want to go to the gym? Well then shop until you drop. Literally. Shop like you got somewhere to be. True power shopping sessions count as cardio and  lugging those heavy bags can leave you feeling like you pumped some serious iron.

Werk The Party. 

As you get ready to slip into that sequin holiday dress remind yourself that there is more to a party than the buffet and the bar. The holidays are also a great time to catch up with friends and family, so this year enjoy the whole experience…not just the eggnog. Eat a snack before you head out and when you get there werk it boo! Werk the room, werk your mouth and werk the dance floor.