It’s that time of year again when people start to adorn everything in strings of twinkling lights, listen to Christmas music, look for the perfect tree, the gaudiest sweaters, and of course. . . schedule their annual holiday party. Holiday parties are not only a great way to celebrate a year of accomplishments with your friends, family, and coworkers but are also an opportunity to overindulge.
Here are ten tips on how to enjoy your holiday party while keeping your calories in check:
1. Plan to eat some extra calories at the party by eating lighter meals and working out earlier in the day. Skipping meals and snacks entirely the day of will only leave you ravenous and more likely to overeat.
2. Parties often offer food in a buffet-style format, which makes it all too easy to graze all night long. To help resist the temptation, find a seat on the other side of the room facing away from the food and don’t linger near the bar.
3. It seems obvious, but only eat the foods you really enjoy. If you take a bite of something and you’re not crazy about it, don’t feel obligated to finish eating it. Instead, be picky and save your calories for items you’re especially craving.
4. Fill your first plate with healthy, low-calorie items like vegetables, salad, or fruit. This can help to fill you up and prevent you from overdoing it with higher calorie items later on.
5. Mingle and converse as you eat. It takes about 20 minutes for the feeling of fullness to set in, so sharing a few laughs or catching up with your friends as you nosh on appetizers can allow enough time for you to realize you’ve had enough.
6. If you have the option, go with a smaller plate. A smaller plate can help you keep portion sizes and calories in check. Try to make half of the plate healthy veggies.
7. Alternate low/no-calorie beverages with your alcoholic and other higher calorie beverages. If that doesn’t work for you, try mixing half of your wine with seltzer water and using low/no calorie beverages as your mixer. This can not only prevent a hangover, but it can also save you hundreds of calories.
8. Savor your favorite yuletide treats—they only come once a year! Slowing down and focusing when you eat can help you get more satisfaction from fewer servings.
9. Take a quick 15-20 minute walk after the party. This can help jumpstart your digestion and also control blood sugars.
10. Most importantly, have a good time and cut yourself some slack if you do overindulge! Cutting back on calories always helps with weight maintenance (or loss!), but one night of poor eating will not destroy you—so don’t stress!
Use these tips, and you will be able to indulge at your holiday party without crossing the line into too much of a good thing. Have more ideas? Share them with others in the comments, or chime in on social media.
Read more about how to avoid overindulging this holiday season:
- Healthy Tips from our Bakery to You for the Holiday Season
- More Tips for Healthy Holiday Choices This Thanksgiving
- 5 Tips for Creating Healthy Holiday Traditions
It’s not too late to send Great Harvest for the holidays!
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