Holiday Party Tips

Here are some tips to help at your holiday parties:

• Don't starve yourself during the day- It may be tempting not to eat during the day knowing you have a big party later, but THINK TWICE. Doing this will actually slow your metabolism down. Also when you attend the party, you will be much more likely to overindulge. Instead, have a healthy breakfast and a light lunch; if the party is later at night have a small snack before.

• Plan- It is important to decide which party or treat you want to indulge in. Indulging for a special occasion is fine, but if you have several events to attend or many favorite treats, you can easily overdo this. Decide ahead of time which party or favorite treat you will let yourself FREELY enjoy (with no guilt). Plan ahead of time so you are not overwhelmed when you arrive and smell the food.

• Check out the food selection first- Before digging in to the first dish, scan all the food items. You may find ones you enjoy more at the end of the table. Here you can also get a sense of some healthier items you can add to your plate. 
• Some better choices to look for are: 
• Shrimp cocktail
• Veggies and dip
• Deviled eggs

• Sit down if possible- When you are sitting down and eating, your mind can process the fact you just ate and sense fullness better. People tend to eat faster and more while standing up without even realizing it. Enjoy the company you are with and take time eating. 

• Watch the booze- Calories from alcohol can add up quick, each 12 ounce can of beer contains about 150 calories. Alcohol also tends to trigger the feeling of hunger. 
• Some lower calorie holiday alcohol choices include:
• Wine Spritzer (add some club soda to your favorite wine for a bubbly treat)
• Cranberry Sizzle (cranberry seltzer water, a splash of 100% cranberry juice, and a splash of vodka)
• Hot Toddy (hot tea-apple cinnamon, mint, or regular, mixed with a little honey OR sugar, and a little brandy OR rum)

• Enjoy your food- This one is simple, just enjoy it! There is no sense leaving a party so full and upset with yourself that you overdid it, SO DON'T! Getting upset with yourself will get you nowhere! Don't try starving yourself the next day, just get back on track with a healthy breakfast.