Between holiday treats at the office and post-work party dessert bonanzas -- not to mention booze, booze, booze -- the risk is high that you're beginning to look a lot like Santa. The good news is that you can indulge in holiday festivities without gaining weight, as long as you mind your metabolism.

Here are a few tips from the experts:

Drink a glass of water upon waking. It's important for hydration and can cut daily food intake by 13 percent.

Start your day with exercise. It helps your body store what you eat subsequently as muscle energy, known as glycogen, instead of as fat.

Eat a complete breakfast. You'll end up eating a lot less later in the day. A well-balanced meal with protein, fibrous carbohydrates and some fats gives you a feeling of fullness.

Office treats: Take one and don't look back.

Get up from your desk: To help stimulate your metabolism, do something active each hour. Even just standing up burns more calories than sitting.

Have a lunch of protein and fiber, such as a large, dark green salad with chicken breast or salmon, using lemon, olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette as dressing.

Midafternoon crash: An ideal afternoon snack is a protein smoothie, a handful of olives or an avocado with some cheese.

The party scene: Don't arrive at a holiday party hungry; have a plan. Look for nuts, deli meats, vegetables and sandwiches served in wraps instead of sweets. Choose drinks that you'll sip slowly -- something stronger or more bitter and savory -- like a dirty vodka or gin martini instead of a chocolate martini.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE