While I firmly believe that food should be celebrated with friends and family, it’s easy to go overboard with indulgences at this time of year. Studies show that the average weight gain during the holidays is about two pounds. That doesn’t sound like much, but it may be a large proportion of the total weight you’ve gained over the rest of the year. So how do I get through it all without putting on extra weight? By practising mindful eating. I take time to really focus on what I eat and, more importantly, how I eat. Here are eight ways that I—and you—can practise mindful eating and still enjoy all the joyous festivities of the season.