The holidays are a wonderful time of year. You get to gather round the table with friends and family, enjoying life as it should be. While at that table you probably enjoy one (or five) too many helpings a delicious holiday food. When faced with a traditional holiday spread, who can blame you? By the time New Years has passed you can probably notice an increase in those once toned love handles.

You're not alone either. The average American gains 1.5lbs over the holiday season. If you're like most people you probably has "losing weight" on the top of your New Years resolution, even before the holiday plump up. Luckily losing those holiday love handles is much easier than you think. Here are some great tips to help you do just that:

Drink LOTS of water: It is very important that your body gets enough water on a daily basis. The truth is most people don't even come close to getting enough. Drinking lots of water (the colder the better) improves your metabolism. Drinking a full glass before meals will decrease your appetite, allowing you to be full on much less food.

Spread Out Your Meals: Instead of 2 or 3 giant meals per day try to eat smaller meals 6 times a day. Like drinking water breaking down your food increases your metabolism. If you ate the same amount of calories in 6 meals as you did in 3 you would notice a significant difference with the 6 meals.

No Fast Food: This definitely should be a no brainier. Stuff like McDonald's, Taco Bell, Pizza, and take out Chinese are some of the worst foods for you. If you plan and prepare some meals in advance you should be able to avoid situations where you are forced to eat these.

Don't Finish Your Plate: When you must eat the traditional large meals (such as eating out) leave a little bit on your plate. It might not seem like much but if you do this often you will see the difference it makes. Put the leftovers in the fridge and eat them later! This is a perfect way to implement the "Spread out Your Meals" tip.

Exercise!: You don't have to become a gym rat to lose weight. If you can get in 20 minutes a day 3 days a week YOU WILL notice a difference. I'm sure there is some physical activity you enjoy doing. Figure out what that is and go out and do it! Along with losing weight you will also get the added benefits of increased energy and an improved sex life.

These tips are incredibly simple, and when put together will offer significant results. One thing to remember is to never be hard on yourself. Nobody can blame you for putting on a few extra pounds during the holidays (or any other time of the year). Just make the choice to fix the problem and stick to it. If you need more help there are some great places online to get it. Always remember you have the power to lose weight. If you put your mind to it the pounds will soon melt away!