Holiday season is joyful, but there's pressure along with the pleasure. Life gets even busier, so it's harder to find time for exercise. And it's a challenge to eat sensibly when there's so much extra food around. Let's face it: this isn't the ideal time to lose weight. But you can avoid gaining - and still enjoy occasional splurges. Here are five deprivation-free tips:

Make time for breakfast. Even a quick, simple breakfast - fruit or juice, whole-grain cereal or toast, and milk or yogurt - delivers fiber and nutrients that boost energy and prevents hunger throughout the day.

Drink at least eight glasses of fluid daily. Adequate intake of liquids prevents hunger and fatigue. What counts: water, juice, herbal tea and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.

Eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. If you want a between-meal snack, pick fruits and veggies. Make it easy to grab: Leave attractive bowls of fruit on the kitchen counter and in the living room; keep cut up vegetables in the fridge.

Enjoy traditional family favorites, but lighten up the recipes when possible. Cut back on sugar and fat; use skim milk instead of regular. Eat slowly so it's easy to skip second (and third) helpings - remember double servings have twice the calories.

Burn extra calories. Make time for a daily walk, and tuck extra activity into the day: Take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator; park at the far end of the mall instead of competing for a spot near the entrance.