Before you leave for that holiday party, you may want to take a few minutes to review some simple healthy eating strategies that are sure to help you this holiday season.
Whether you’re going to a small gathering in someone’s home or a large event in a restaurant or hotel, there are some simple things you can do to enjoy the event without veering off program.
Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Fill up your tank. The number one no-no is to go to a party hungry. When your stomach is empty, you are setting yourself up to overeat all those tempting foods at the party. If you want to have better control, commit to eating a planned snack before leaving home. Good options like a slice of light cheese and whole wheat crackers or an apple and peanut butter combine carbohydrates and protein and will keep your hunger tamed so you don’t feel like devouring every appetizer that comes within reach.
2. Step away. Another smart strategy is to not hang out by the food. The closer you are to the buffet table, the more likely you will be focused on the food and eating more of it. Instead, you can make a plan (before going to the party) that you will be distancing yourself from the food to help you stay on program.
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3. Use small plates. Once you’re ready to enjoy your meal, survey the entire buffet table before digging in. If you take a small plate, you’ll be “forced” to be more selective in your food choices. Because you will already know the types of foods available, you can better plan how to select your meal. Eat slowly and enjoy every last bite!
4. Satisfy cravings. There’s no need to eat perfectly and deny yourself the pleasure of eating some of your favorite foods. In fact, doing just that can set you up to fail because you’ll leave the party feeling deprived and may end up going home and binging instead. A better plan is to satisfy your cravings with portion control in mind. If you love chocolate or ice cream, find one special treat and enjoy a moderate portion.
I hope these four tips will give you new ideas for celebrating the holidays and staying focused on healthful eating at the same time.
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