As the holidays approach, you’re likely to feel significant pressure to abandon your weight loss goals. The combination of tempting seasonal foods, along with the pressure of multiple social obligations, creates the perfect storm to sabotage your healthy habits. But you don’t have to give in to temptation and wreck your diet. Follow these five steps to keep your weight loss journey on track.

1. Make yourself a top priority. It may be the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own health or personal goals. Remember that you don’t have to accept every party invitation, you can say no to unhealthy foods, and there’s no need to completely abandon your priorities. Also, switch your exercise routine to first thing in the morning, so that the stress of busy days doesn’t tempt you to procrastinate at night.
2. Don’t completely deprive yourself. If you only get mom’s cookies once per year, go ahead and have one. When you feel deprived, you’re more likely to break down and binge in a big way.
3. Enlist support. Remind your loved ones of your weight loss goals. If Mom has a habit of gifting you a large container of those special cookies, tell her you appreciate the gesture but this year you’re cutting back on the sweets. If social anxiety at parties usually leads you to graze the buffet, find something else to do with your hands or ask a friend to go with you.
4. Plan ahead. This time of year is extra busy for everyone. If you know you’ll be traveling, shopping, or otherwise too busy to search out healthy foods, make sure to plan and pack food ahead of time. There’s no need to hit up the drive-through or party buffet table when hunger strikes.
5. Eat before parties. If you arrive at a party already hungry, you’re more likely to over-indulge on fatty foods from the buffet. Fill up on lean protein, fresh veggies, and fruits before you leave the house. Remember to drink plenty of water, as usual, and you won’t arrive thirsty and tempted to guzzle sugary punch or soft drinks.
6. Check in with yourself. Take a moment each day to remind yourself of your priorities. Hang a photo on the fridge or tape a list of goals to your bathroom mirror. Refueling your motivation will prevent food binges and exercise procrastination.