Navigate Holiday Parties Without Over Indulging
Let’s face it, it’s hard to stick to a healthy routine this time of year. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and all of the parties in between, it feels like 5 lbs just magically find their way to your hips.
Holiday parties can be especially challenging due to the sheer number you have to attend, the fact that you are at the mercy of whatever is being served, and that they tend to involve lots of unhealthy food and drinking – not always a recipe for success.
You can successfully make it through this holiday season, and all of the parties that come along with it, without doing too much damage to your healthy routine, or to your waistline. Here are my 5 tips to navigate a holiday party without over indulging:
Don't Show Up Hungry
If you show up starving, you’re more likely to over indulge in the appetizers and drinks right from the start. So, have a little snack on your way or an hour before the party starts. That way, you’ll be able to make it through cocktail hour without filling up before dinner even begins.
Position Yourself Strategically
If there are passed hors d’oeuvres, try not to stand by the door where they are coming out in all of their teeny tiny glory. Stand in a place where you won’t be tempted to take one every time they go by. Likewise, if there is a table of appetizers, stand on the other side of the room to avoid mindless munching.
The One Plate Rule
If you are going to have the appetizers, make one plate, choose carefully, and enjoy that plate. After that, try not to go back for seconds.
Protein and Veggies
Most of the time, you have little control over what is being served or the options you have to choose from at your holiday parties. So, try to fill up on whatever protein and vegetables are available. Fill your plate with salad, veggies, and whatever protein you can find. Then, fill in the blanks with smaller portions of other foods.
Drink Smart
Stick to one or two drinks for the night, if you have any at all. If you are having wine, fill it with mostly ice and seltzer and sip that throughout the night. If you are having liquor, have a splash of something clear (vodka, tequila) and fill your glass with ice and seltzer. That way, you get to drink something without all of the calories and sugar. In between drinks, have a glass of water. Over indulging in alcohol sometimes leads to over indulging in food as well, so best to keep it within moderation.