“How can I have fun, but avoid gaining weight, during the holidays?”

It’s the most common question I get this time of year—an occupational hazard of being a registered dietitian, I guess. But it’s no wonder everyone wants to know: from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the holidays are all about the food. And not just any food, but the rich celebration foods we look forward to all year long. When forgoing these foods just isn’t an option, follow these 7 tips and tricks to stay in your skinny jeans all season long.

I adore Thanksgiving, but the holiday quickly loses its luster when I start thinking about all the extra calories I’m consuming by eating my favorite foods.

I don't know about you, but when I heard on the news that Kellogg's had slapped a claim on their Krispies cereal boxes that it "now helps support your child's IMMUNITY," I turned up the volume. Really? Boosting immunity with Cocoa Krispies and Frosted Krispies? Admittedly, I'm as freaked out about getting sick as the next person (hello cold and flu season and H1N1!), but what's in those boxes of cereal that will really help me? (Find 3 research-tested immunity-boosting superfoods here.)

The thing about a diabetic diet that I don't think most people get is that you don't have to eat special foods or be excluded from what "everyone else" is eating (including dessert). In fact, the diet guidelines for people with diabetes are the same as those for all of us. For the most part, eating to manage diabetes means eating with your eyes open—knowing what's going into your body and when. So, truth be told, if you have diabetes, everyone else should be taking a cue from what's on your plate.

For several years my husband and I have hosted a big pre-Thanksgiving bash for our friends. Until we started throwing these parties, I had done little but set the table for Thanksgiving dinner. I had never carved a turkey before or made gravy, and my pie-making skills were a joke. Now I have it down to a science.

Here are 5 steps to help you host a stress-free Thanksgiving:

When it comes to minor ailments like headaches and motion sickness, I don’t really like to take medications. I’d rather use a kitchen-based remedy to soothe my symptoms. And I’m not the only one. A recent survey reported that worries about the economy are driving more people to alternative remedies as they look for ways to save money on expensive doctor visits and prescription medicines.

Chicken Potpie is one of my favorite comfort foods. What’s more satisfying on a cool day than hot creamy chicken inside a flaky crust? Nothing, unless you’re like me and want to watch what you eat. Suddenly this butter- and heavy-cream-laden dish doesn’t seem so comforting.

So instead of making a traditional recipe that’s loaded with fat, I use EatingWell’s healthier version of this dish to satisfy my comfort-food craving without the extra calories and fat. It’s comfort food without the guilt.