Holiday Parties

It’s party time! The holidays are upon us. Dinner here, a party there, the calories are everywhere. In the words of the great Dr. Seuss, "It is fun to have fun but you have to know how." Here are some ideas for handling holiday parties without overeating.

Lead off with a healthy starter.

Fill up on low calorie options, so that you can feel satisfied by smaller portions of high calorie items. Order a vegetable soup or a salad with dressing on the side before your meal. If you’re at a buffet, nosh on fruits and vegetables first. Another tip for buffets: check out all the offerings before filling your plate with just a few favorites.

Liquid calories count too!

With delicious desserts and savory snacks, it’s easy to forget calories come in liquid form as well. Be cautious of drink options with too many calories. A rich hot chocolate, a frothy eggnog, even an adult beverage will add calories quickly without doing much to fill your belly. Sip water in addition to other drinks. You’ll save calories and feel more full.

If possible, stay on the move.

Don’t worry; it’s not a workout. By circulating and socializing, you can move away from food selections and interact with everyone. You will feel engaged and enjoy the festivities more. Eating doesn’t need to be the entertainment.

A holiday party could be a healthy eating disaster, but it doesn’t have to be. Remain mindful of what you’re eating, and recognize when you feel satisfied. You can celebrate the season with friends and food, but without diet regrets.