Holiday parties: with a plan, you can survive.
The holidays can seem like a series of land-mines for people who strive to make healthy food choices. So many of us associate food with positive memories: dear Aunt Tillie’s decadent cheese ball, Cousin Ed’s Mile-High custard pie, that antique gravy boat that’s too pretty not to dip into. Still, believe it or not, you can get through the holidays without feeling completely logey.
The most important thing is to have a strategy. If you go into a holiday party without any idea of how you’ll handle the temptations, or worse yet, having starved yourself all day in an effort to “save room,” you’re doomed. Here are some tips on how to get enjoy the endless parade celebrations and still keep your healthy wits about you.
1. Go in with some protein and fiber in your system. An empty stomach is a sure way for your cravings to make your choices for you, instead of your brain. Have a salad that includes some beans, chicken, or cheese before you leave for the gathering; you’ll be less likely to eat impulsively and snack before the main meal.
2. Don’t drink your calories. Yes, the sherbet punch is lovely, but it’s brimming with sugar. And let’s not even talk about eggnog. Alcohol also reduces many people’s willpower, so if you get a little tipsy, you might eat first and think later. If alcohol is something you really enjoy, find lighter substitutes: a five-ounce glass of wine has about 120 calories; half a cup of eggnog has nearly twice that.
3. Avoid mindless eating. There are always so many snack trays sitting around at holiday parties that it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve put in your mouth. Rather than picking up handfuls directly from bowls, get a small plate and put a small portion of the treats you most want to try on it. Don’t refill your plate; get a little bit of the best stuff and enjoy it. Think about what’s a real opportunity and what just looks tempting because it’s there. If you can buy it in a bag at the grocery store, you’re not losing anything by skipping it at the party. On the other hand, the painstakingly-crafted crab sunbursts on brioche took time and effort. Enjoy one!
4. Load up on low-calorie items first. Raid the veggie tray, have some shrimp cocktail, or enjoy some fruit salad. That will help fill you up so you don’t overdo it on other items.
In the end, don’t beat yourself up too much if you don’t stick to your plans completely. After all, New Year’s is coming up, with its resolutions and discounts on gym memberships. It’s never too late to start making smart decisions.
