There's a ho-ho-whole lot of calories going on during the festivities and it's tough not to heap on the holiday goodies and the pounds.

Just ask entrepreneur Anita Cupello: "I'm still trying to lose eight pounds of the 15 that I gained last holiday season."

Cupello, owner of JC Salons in Bloor West Village, says she threw caution to the wind and tippled and tasted to her heart's content: "I enjoyed the season a bit too much."

This year she's heading off the cakes and cookies with a plan: "I'm paying more attention to what I eat, enjoying things in moderation and I'm going to keep working out at Kretan Martial Arts. They helped me lose 50 pounds two years ago and now I'm back on track.

"Last year I was too busy working and eating to work out."

According to the experts, it's not unusual to pile on the pounds while making the rounds over the holiday season. Face it, Christmas dinner itself can add up to a whopping 2,000 calories: "That is more than an entire day's requirement for many people," says Denis Colliers, registered dietician and exercise physiologist.

"People generally gain weight during this period as a result of an increase in social gatherings where they find themselves consuming an increase in alcohol, finger foods and desserts, all of which have an excess of hidden calories," says Dr. Sender Deutsch, director at SHAPE Health and Wellness Centre.

And when Jan. 1 arrives, what's gone on just won't come off: "It is easy to gain weight but it's hard work to lose and maintain any weight loss."

Health expert Nicole Amaral agrees: "Tis the season to be drinking and partying. The holidays can be a very trying time of the year. When you go over to someone's home for a party, lunch or dinner, it's hard to say no to the food they prepared for you.
"When it comes to alcohol or great holiday treats, everything that you eat or drink has calories attached to it," says Amaral, wellness program director at the Ontario Racquet Club in Mississagua.

Deutsch advises using common sense and moderation "If you are going to treat yourself, go with small portion sizes or sample sizes." And don't forget to get physical -- besides under the mistletoe.

"Walking in the morning prior to breakfast and after dinner is a great way to ward off holiday weight gain," says Deutsch, who adds to lose weight you have to burn more calories than you take in.