The holiday season is notorious for helping us pack on the pounds, with all of the parties and feasts happening in the span of a month. There are so many delicious goodies to be had, but all with a price  — calories.

I’m all for celebrating and spreading the holiday cheer, but no one wants to work double time in the gym come January.

In an effort to gain far fewer pounds than you eat, make sure you’re not bingeing at every holiday party. That means not arriving famished at a party. People tend to starve themselves in preparation for a big dinner, but this can actually lead to overindulging. Hunger can cloud our judgment and lead to mindless eating. When we’re too hungry we tend to eat the first things we see — and we eat haphazardly and quickly — resulting in calorie overload.

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Eat a healthy snack before you get to the party or holiday feast, and those pigs-in-a-blanket won’t look as appetizing.

Make sure you’re not just eating all carbs, as those will be digested quickly and leave you wanting more. To help keep you feeling full longer, eat some type of protein. It is the most satiating macronutrient and will stave off energy crashes.

Related: Surviving the Holidays Without Packing on the Pounds

Here are five high-protein foods to have on hand as a snack before a big meal … and to keep you from feeling guilty the next day:

1.) Nuts and seeds. These are high not only in protein, but also in healthy fats, which make them a great option for a quick snack. All varieties are nutritious, but I tend to love pecans, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds this time of year. Spiced pecans are abundant during the holidays and are a tasty departure from plain nuts. Nibble nuts and seeds straight out of the container, or add them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal or salads.

2.) Meat sticks and jerky. They can be a great low-fat, high-protein snack. Make sure you aren’t buying highly processed varieties, though, as they tend to have tons of additives. The New Primal has meat sticks that come in a variety of flavors for every palate. My personal favorites are the Date and Rosemary Chicken Jerky and the Classic Turkey Meat Stick. They’re perfect for throwing in your bag for an on-the-go snack. They also happen to make fantastic stocking stuffers for the meat lovers in your life!

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Related: How to Do the Impossible This Holiday Season

3.) Oatmeal bites. These are one of my all-time favorite snacks not only because of the protein and fiber they provide, but also because no baking is required, which is a huge plus during this busy time of year. I start with oats, dates, chia seeds, and peanut butter as the base, and then I might throw in some pumpkin, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg for added spice, or chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.

Related: Why I Love the Holidays

4.) Beans. I love beans because they’re so versatile and inexpensive. Whether they’re served up whole or in the form of a dip like hummus, they’re full of protein and fiber. Frequently I’ll heat up frozen edamame beans and sprinkle some salt on top for a quick satisfying snack or salad topper. And I always have my fridge stocked with hummus or bean dip, ready to pair with chopped veggies or tortilla chips for a high-fiber, high-protein snack that keeps me satisfied until dinnertime.

Greek yogurt is a trusty substitute for mayo and sour cream in dips and sauces.

5.) Greek yogurt and kefir. These have many health properties; not only are they high in protein, but they do bonus wonders for gut health. I eat one or the other just about every day. Slash the sugar by getting the plain flavor and adding your own fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, and cinnamon for a delicious snack that will keep you feeling full and your gut feeling happy. When making your holiday dishes, keep in mind that Greek yogurt is a trusty substitute for mayo and sour cream in dips and sauces.

Cheers to a guilt-free holiday season.

Jamie Johnson is a registered dietician nutritionist in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. More information about The New Primal can be found here