MILWAUKEE — It’s the holiday season, and it’s the time when we gather — sometimes several times — with family and friends to celebrate. These multiple celebrations or parties often bring with them large amounts of food and drink.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss” philosophy, understands that the holidays can be a challenge for those trying to take — and keep — pounds off.

TOPS encourages taking sensible steps to live well, and giving up alcohol altogether during gatherings isn’t necessarily a sensible first step. Having a little cup of what you love is allowed, but watching what you drink and drinking in moderation can help you maintain your weight during this “eating season.”

Here is everything you need to know about raising a glass without raising your weight:

Plan ahead

You’ve been to holiday parties before, so take some time to consider what you’ll be walking into. Think about how many alcoholic drinks you’re going to allow yourself, and make sure it’s a number you won’t regret the next morning. Then talk to a trusted family member or friend attending the same gathering and ask them to help keep you accountable.

Watch your calories

Calories can add up quickly when the drinks are flowing. Opt for a no-calorie drink, like water, coffee, tea or diet soda. If that’s too much all at once, choose a lower-calorie alcoholic drink, like swapping out eggnog with white wine. Finally, do not bring a high-caloric alcoholic drink with you to a party. Consider gifting hot chocolate or cider so there are other options at the gathering.

Stretch your drinks

Alcohol has a diuretic effect on your body, meaning it causes your body to eliminate fluids quickly, which makes you thirsty. To consume a limited amount of alcohol and stay hydrated, try adding water or ice cubes to your drink and nurse it for a few hours. Another option is to make sure your alcohol to water intake is 1:1. Drink a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. Sparkling water even looks like a drink, and it’ll help you pace yourself.

Be nosy

You should always know what’s in your drink, not only for your safety but also if you’re trying to avoid unnecessary calories. If you’re a fan of mixed drinks, avoid sugary options and try mixing your alcohol with diet soda, seltzer or low-calorie fruit juice.

Be smart before and during the gathering

Remember alcohol affects the way you eat. Alcohol doesn’t make you feel full, so it’s easy to overeat. Don’t avoid eating during the day because you have a party later. Eat plenty of protein and vegetables before so you won’t feel the need to binge eat. When you’re at the gathering, talk and socialize away from the food and drink table.

What drinks are safest?

According to the National Institute of Health, alcoholic beverages that are 100 calories or fewer include: gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, brandy, champagne, and light beer, while beverages like red and white wine are more than 100 calories.

What does drinking in moderation look like?

The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention define moderate alcohol intake as one glass a day or seven per week for women, and two glasses a day or 14 per week for men.