What would you rather do: spend two weeks on a deserted island or eat healthy during the holidays? A majority of us may choose the deserted island  -- since the notion of healthy holiday eating brings feelings of deprivation, temptation and frustration. It doesn't have to be that way!

With a bit of preparation and planning you can not only survive but enjoy this jovial time. Registered dietitian Diane Henderiks has helpful ways you can stay on track during the holidays and avoid watching January roll around only to make the same old resolutions.

Diane's Ten Ways to Survive the Holidays!

1. Stay committed to your training program! Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
Physical activity is a wonderful weight management tool at this and every time of the year. Exercise can also help relieve stress, regulate appetite, and burn up extra calories. 

2. Try everything, but be aware of portion sizes!
Eat small portions of a variety of foods rather than a large portion of one food. When you are eating a food that you know is not the healthiest choice, learn to satisfy yourself with a small portion. Do not feel that you must "clean your plate."

3. Eat breakfast every morning and never skip meals!
Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day. It jump starts your metabolism and helps to stave off hunger and cravings. 

4. Limit alcohol consumption!
At first, select sparkling water with a citrus wedge which is very refreshing. Drink one glass of non-alcoholic, unsweetened beverage for each alcoholic beverage consumed. Choose wine, light beer or spirits mixed with no calorie beverages.

5. Drink lots of water!
Drinking water can decrease the chance of overeating by temporarily filling your stomach. Also, caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration, which increases your need for water.

6. Choose sensible munchies!
When you first arrive to a party, choose mostly fruits and vegetables and dip with veggies instead of chips. Limit fried foods, high fat sauces and gravies and cheese cubes.

7. Eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied!
Listen to your stomach! It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to signal to your stomach that you've had enough.

8. Temptation is everywhere - Don't let it sneak up on you!
Never go to a party or event hungry. Prepare yourself for distractions by eating before you go. Have a small meal or a snack which contains a combination of carbohydrate, protein and a little healthy fat to fend off hunger.

9. Visualize success!
Make an action plan! Think about where you will be, who you will be with and what foods will be available. It's much easier to deal with a difficult social eating situation if you've already planned for it.

10. Deprivation leads to overindulgence!
Don't spend all your time obsessing over the not-so-healthy delicacy that you're really craving. Instead, allow a small portion and savor every mouth-watering bite so that you do not feel deprived.

Eating a bit too much one day is not the end of the world!  It takes consecutive days of unhealthy eating to gain weight. So don't worry!