Did you fill up a little too much on ham, turkey and decadent desserts this holiday season? Yeah, me too. But here are some simple, guilt-free steps to knock off those holiday pounds.

Sometimes people think they're hungry when really, they're just thirsty. So next time you feel like snacking, drink some water first. Drinking water also helps you feel full while not adding any calories.

Writing notes to yourself can be an effective reminder of what and when not to eat. Post them on the fridge and pantry as little stop signs to make you think before you eat.

Making smart substitutions helps too, like choosing lower-calorie versions of snacks. Also, being mindful of portion control will prevent you from over-eating at any one meal during the day. And go easy on yourself. If you overeat one night, get back on track the next day by thinking positively and remembering your goals.

The most important thing is to set realistic goals for yourself. Losing one to two pounds a week is healthy and doable. Try eating smaller meals and snacks five times a day. It will help boost your energy and mood and could even speed up your metabolism.