The holiday season is a stressful time of year for many, especially if you're managing your weight. Between year-end deadlines, shopping, children's performances, company parties, entertaining family and friends, etc., how does one find time to exercise?

Too often, we say, "I'll start up again in the new year" or "I deserve a break and I'm too busy; I'll do it later."

But let's take a look at what happens. We all know that in order to lose weight you must burn off more calories than you consume, right? Well, excess food and alcohol consumption, along with less activity, produces the opposite effect: weight gain.

Uh, oh.

I have some suggestions that will help avoid weight gain during this hectic time of year. This isn't anything you haven't heard before, but it may be a great time to put these actions into practice.

1. Park farther away from the entrance of your destination, and take walking breaks; see if you can add an extra 2,000 steps (one mile) to your daily routine.

2. Walk a little faster, as if you're late to an important meeting. That will help burn more calories.

3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. You'll use energy and beat the crowds.

4. Walk your shopping cart back to the store instead of leaving it in the parking lot. Don't forget that brisk pace!

5. While on the phone, stand and walk in place instead of sitting. The caller won't know.

Follow this advice, and you'll be ahead of the game when the new year rolls around.

Eric Okamura is the owner of Fit for Life, an exercise and massage studio. Hear him from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday on the Fit for Life Radio Show KHVH 830AM.