1. TRIM BACK THE TRIMMINGS
Go all out and deck the halls with boughs of holly, glitter and lights, but when it comes to holiday food, accessorize with care. To shave calories, go easy when adding nuts, cheese, cream sauces, gravy, butter and whipped cream—additions that don't add much to the meal, but can add plenty to your waistline. Trim calories wherever you can so you leave the party feeling satisfied, but not stuffed.
2. WEAR SNUG CLOTHES AND KEEP ONE HAND BUSY
When you wear snug-fitting attire, chances are you'll be too busy holding in your stomach to overeat. While you stand around looking posh in your holiday finery, hold a drink in your dominant hand so it won't be so easy to grab food.
3. CHEW GUM
When you don't want to eat, pop a piece of sugarless gum into your mouth. This works well when you're cooking or when you're trying not to dive into the buffet.
4. BE A FOOD SNOB
If you don't love it, don't eat it. Scan the buffet for foods you truly treasure and skip the everyday dishes that are available all year long. And don't think it's your responsibility to sample everything on the buffet. Go ahead and indulge in your personal holiday favorites, then find a seat and, slowly and mindfully, savor every mouthful.
5. NO SKIPPING MEALS
Always eat normally on the day of a party. People who skip meals to save up calories tend to overeat everything in sight once they get there. Start with a nourishing breakfast, have a light lunch, then a small snack or salad shortly before the event.
6. CHECK IT OUT
First things first. When you arrive at the party, grab a sparkling water with a twist and wait at least 30 minutes before eating. This will give you time to relax, get comfortable in your surroundings and survey your food choices on the buffet before diving in. A buffet is an invitation to eat all you can, and unless you carefully scrutinize it and make wise choices, you're likely to overeat.
7. ADD FUN AND GAMES
Taking the focus off food and getting family and friends more active during holiday parties. Think horseshoes, badminton, sledding, ice skating or building snowmen. Indoors, try a spirited game of charades, or rent an instructional dance video followed by a dance-off. "The best parties include dancing, so why not make dancing after eating a new holiday tradition for a great form of fun and recreation?"
8. ALTERNATE ALCOHOL WITH NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories—especially holiday favorites like eggnog. Cut your alcohol calories in half by alternating water or seltzer between alcoholic beverages.
9. SKIP THE APPETIZERS
Eschew the appetizers rather than chewing on them. If you need a little nibble before the meal, go for the veggies, fruit, salsa or a small handful of nuts.
10. LIMIT THE VARIETY
Putting only two items on your plate when you go to the food table. Return as many times as you like, but only take two items each time. "Variety stimulates appetite, and if you limit your choices to just a few items and stick with these, it will be easier to control than eating a little bit of 20 different dishes.
But of course the party is not only for the food and drinks, you can get a chance to bond with your family and friends so enjoy it. Just get right back to normal eating and exercising, and try to do a better job at the next party.
But of course the party is not only for the food and drinks, you can get a chance to bond with your family and friends so enjoy it. Just get right back to normal eating and exercising, and try to do a better job at the next party.
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