Next week Sunday is Christmas. I’m sure there have already been loads of Christmas party lunches and dinners by now. However this party season can take us all the way into January.

Whether you're heading off island for the holiday season, going skiing, or planning to hit the streets with friends to bring in the New Year, December and part of January may be full of temptations that can easily make the most goal-oriented person or devoted, health-conscious eater tumble off the tracks.

Lets look at some ways that you can still party and maintain a healthy fitness regime.

Choose Wisely

Winter and the dark nights tend to zap our energy and our enthusiasm to work out. And when it’s chilly outside, we often want hearty, carb-filled and more sugary foods, which give us a quick positive boost – but tend to make us feel tired afterwards.

* Order a side of vegetables or wholegrains with your appetisers, or opt for fruit. (Fruit in your mulled wine does not count)

* Keep meals regular, skipping meals makes you more likely to overdo it at the following meal.

* Never go back for seconds no matter how tasty it is. Eat slowly and enjoy every bite. It is easier not to overeat when you make mindful decisions. Pick the foods you want to eat, but try to make the healthy portions out weigh the unhealthy portions on your plate.

Keep your personal trainer or training sessions.

As busy as we get and as much food and drink as we consume during this season, now is definitely not the time to cancel workouts.

Adjustments to normal routines can often lead to an all or nothing mentality and I see clients fall off the fitness bandwagon and think “forget it, I’ve missed several sessions, I may as well give up for December and begin again in January.”

The key is to adapt to the season. If you can only squeeze in a 15 to 20-minute workout during this busy time, make it happen and get it done.

Go into the gym with a personal trainer or a plan before you arrive so you are ready to execute it and be the most productive in the time you do have.

Set your mood

A playlist can be the main thing that motivates me through the session. Have a few 20, 30 and 45 minute playlists on hand to get you through the time that you have. Pick some of your favourite tunes to get you through the session.

Consistency is key

Think of the bigger picture. If you have been consistent in your eating and exercise regime throughout this year, a few weeks of change will not derail your progress.

You can afford to let loose within reason for a couple weeks. However it’s not too late to start making positive changes. Do not wait till January.

Drink your water

Lastly drink lots of water on a night out. It does not wash away the calories, but it will help with the bloat from all of the high-sodium foods.

If your friends are offering to buy you drinks ask for a sparkling water with lemon. I always fall back on, ‘I have an early morning’ excuse. Which I actually normally do!

Enjoy the rest of the holiday season and B-Active for life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook