From Christmas cookies and hot cocoa to rich cakes drizzled in chocolate and nuts, decadent desserts are particularly difficult to avoid in the holiday season. If you find yourself worrying this time of year that you’ve put on a few pounds, then we have some comforting news for you. According to a study from the New England Journal of Medicine, holiday weight gain is a myth.

This medical journal found that the average America gains less than one pound during the holiday months. Before you go back and reread that last line, yes, you are correct, LESS than one pound. Scientists tested the theory by gathering hundreds of people ranging from the ages of 19 to 82, and weighing them pre-holiday season, in October, and then again post-holiday season, in February. Interestingly, the subjects believed they gained four times as much weight as they actually did, and thus, were completely shocked to discover that the scale hadn’t budged all that much.

If you’re not buying this latest finding, there are still ways to lighten up your holiday load without eliminating every quintessential holiday treat:  

1. Go easy on the bread. If you want a bite of a roll with your meal, opt for a whole-grain, which will keep you fuller longer.

2. Stick to two alcoholic drinks and then switch to water or seltzer.

3. Eat a small snack before a holiday dinner party to ensure you don’t overeat at the buffet.