The time from Thanksgiving to New Year's may seem like one continuous buffet. But think again.

"This is another day in your life of eating healthy," says Janinne Bracha, chief executive officer and chef at Sweet and Good Catering in Baltimore. "When you go to a holiday party, you are not on vacation, where 'vacation' means eat whatever you want with no repercussions."

Charlene Bazarian, who lost 100 pounds and now blogs about weight loss at the website FBJ Fit, agrees. She focuses on celebrating each holiday without overdoing it.

"Even with the best of intentions, I indulge on special occasions, but I limit the treats to that day," she says. "This can be challenging, especially if you are hosting and faced with a week's worth of leftovers, so be sure to have healthier options that you can continue to enjoy in the days before and following the celebration."

Bazarian prefers to eat rather than drink her calories, which is why she's cautious about cocktails. "How you choose to toast the occasion can literally be the difference of hundreds of calories and added fat," she says.

When she drinks, she chooses a glass of wine or prosecco, or a mixed drink featuring flavored sparkling water.

*Mindful Eating

Certified nutrition/health coach Lisa Kiersky Schreiber, who's author of the book, "The Meal Deal: Blaze Your Own Trail to a Healthier Eating Lifestyle," urges people to be mindful about eating.

"The more we try to deprive ourselves or start labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad,' the easier it is to binge on them," she says. "By allowing yourself to appreciate the food you're eating, you might find you actually eat less of it."

She recommends first filling your plate with vegetables and lean protein. Later, you can have dessert, when you're more likely to feel fuller from those veggies and protein. Try to imagine what each will taste like, and only choose one or two that really appeal to you.

Schreiber suggests establishing healthier habits before the holidays. For example, plan your meals or cook at home several days a week "so that your normal way of eating supersedes excessive eating at holiday meals."

That way, a few meals out of extra sweets won't derail your otherwise healthy eating habits.

*Have a Plan

Physician assistant and certified habit coach Kate Johnston advises planning what you'll eat a day in advance, including how much of the indulgence you will eat or drink.

Next, don't rely on holiday foods to be your source of calories. "Most people go to holiday gatherings hungry, planning on filling up on hors d'oeuvres, roasts and desserts," she says. "One 'meal' could end up being 1,000+ calories!"

Johnston says instead of arriving hungry at the party, fill up ahead of time on high-fiber, low-calorie foods, like a large salad with some chickpeas or lentils on top or with fruit and nuts.

If you want to ensure there will be healthier food option at the holiday event, you should provide it.

"The benefits of this are twofold: You now know there is a healthy option for you to choose, plus most people don't go for the healthy option, so there should be plenty for you to fill up on," says Johnston. "I do this for almost any event I attend, and it works like a charm."

That's why Bazarian shows up at parties with guacamole and veggies, shrimp cocktail, or mango and pomegranate fruit salad.

"Knowing that I can at least balance some of the more decadent options with a favorite lighter choice puts the control in my hands," she says.

*Healthy Habits

Chef Bracha's number one tip to help you not overeat is to be fully hydrated, since sometimes people eat when they're actually thirsty. Next, she suggests eating from small plates.

"Take one small plate and fill it up. You will eat less calories than if you fill a large plate," she says. "And because of how our brains are wired, if you eat a full small plate, as opposed to the same exact food on a large plate, you will feel fuller."

Wait at least 10 minutes before eating again, which gives your brain time to realize your stomach is full.

Give yourself a break if you overindulge or even gain weight during the holidays. Resume good habits like drinking water, exercising and eating healthier foods, and you'll be back on track.