It's the age-old battle -- trying to keep off the pounds during the holiday season.

Temptation is everywhere. You want to enjoy the holidays, right? And who has time to work out this time of year?

Kristin Kirkpatrick, registered dietitian and manager of wellness nutrition services at Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, offers the following tips on soaring over stumbling blocks during the holiday season.

1. Weigh in every other day to help keep awareness up rather than waiting till Jan. 1 to find out you put on five pounds.

   2. Don’t try to lose weight over the holidays; just try to maintain your weight. Otherwise, the frustration could lead to overindulgence.

   3. Keep a diary of everything you eat and drink so you can become more aware of when you are swayed to overindulge.

   4. Enjoy food but don’t go overboard. It’s OK to appreciate a sweet treat -- just remember that small portions are key.

   5. Buy, don’t bake, party desserts. That way, you can't lick the spoon and will be less likely to sample.

   6. Switch up cookie-swapping with your friends with something healthier like teas, spices or whole-grain holiday muffins and breads.

   7. Make new healthy-centered traditions with the family, like a walk around the block after Thanksgiving dinner instead of diving face first into pumpkin pie.