Some people love parties. And then there are those of us who prefer our pajamas and the couch to any event that requires heels. If it were up to me, I'd stay home every evening with my mug of decaf green tea and my sheepskin slippers. But I'm guessing a few of you will be venturing out into the sparkling world of holiday festivities? If so, you might like to prepare in advance to meet the challenges you will be facing.
Although I avoid these situations whenever possible, I have some vague recollections of holiday gatherings. Weddings and office parties usually follow a similar format. The food tends to be fatty, salty, and full of refined carbs. Just the stuff to clog up your insides for days. The main attraction is always the bar and we all know that alcoholic beverages are full of empty calories. But after snarfing down a plate of salty, greasy hors d'oevres, you are going to be dying for a beverage, right? So you then chug a couple of beers, or rum toddies, or chocolate martinis. At this point, you might begin to feel a bit more relaxed. And that's when any kind of discipline and will power you once had goes straight down the drain. And the Christmas cookies leap like Santa's reindeer straight into your mouth.
In order to avoid this Yuletide disaster, begin your party preparations first thing in the morning. You will want to incorporate a vigorous workout that morning. Make sure to get your run, your Zumba class, or your bootcamp workout done early, so you won't end up dropping it from your tight schedule.
Once you check that off your list, be sure to eat all your regular meals and snacks, filled with lean protein, lots of veggies, and healthy fats. Do not starve yourself all day in order to binge on party food! This strategy will backfire badly, ending in way more calories consumed and pounds gained. In addition, drink PLENTY of water all day long. At least 3 liters before you head out the door. You want to arrive at this party well-hydrated and not hungry.
When you are deciding what to wear, I suggest you lean toward a form-fitting outfit rather than something baggy or draping. A waistband that fits your waist perfectly will be a reminder not to expand your belly with too much food. Loose clothing, on the other hand, will give you the option to overeat and to overindulge in the bubbly beverages. Plus, a form-fitting dress will properly show off the smoking hot bod that you have been working so hard to achieve all year! All the compliments you receive should be a reminder to stick to your guns and avoid those sugary carbs.
Okay, so now you are at the party. Don't head straight for the food. Head over to the bar. Make your first drink something watery and alcohol-free. WHAT? Yes, it will not hurt you to have a bottled water or seltzer first. And this will begin to fill up your stomach without adding a single calorie.
While you are sipping your sparkling water with a twist, chat up the guests and look over the food choices. Scout out the protein! You will want to start there if you are planning to drink alcohol. Protein slows the absorption of alcohol so you can consume (within limits!) with less worry. Great choices are shrimp cocktail, chicken satay skewers, crabcakes, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, and so on. In addition, look for colorful veggies and fresh fruit. Most dips are to be avoided as you will have no clue what is in them. An exception might be a spinach or veggie dip, but these are usually bound with mayo or sour cream so tread lightly. Definitely avoid the chips, crackers, breads, and refined carbs. Always use a SMALL plate. Take only a few items at a time. Eat them SLOWLY! Be extremely choosy about what goes into your mouth. And give yourself a limit. One bite of an exquisite dark chocolate mousse cake might be worth those calories, but most of the desserts should be passed over.
If you are going to choose an alcoholic drink, white wine or a light beer has about the fewest calories. Red wine has some valuable health benefits and is usually my first choice as a winter beverage. Sip your drink slowly and try to make it last. The longer the better, as the fewer drinks you consume, the more empty calories you will avoid. You will also avoid the hangover!
Then distract yourself from the food and drink with sparkling conversation. Find someone fascinating! Admire the decorations. If there is dancing, by all means, partake! And if all else fails, get the heck out of there. If you sense your will power crumbling and there is no obligation to stay, simply beat it before your binge gets a foothold. I wish you luck!
Although I avoid these situations whenever possible, I have some vague recollections of holiday gatherings. Weddings and office parties usually follow a similar format. The food tends to be fatty, salty, and full of refined carbs. Just the stuff to clog up your insides for days. The main attraction is always the bar and we all know that alcoholic beverages are full of empty calories. But after snarfing down a plate of salty, greasy hors d'oevres, you are going to be dying for a beverage, right? So you then chug a couple of beers, or rum toddies, or chocolate martinis. At this point, you might begin to feel a bit more relaxed. And that's when any kind of discipline and will power you once had goes straight down the drain. And the Christmas cookies leap like Santa's reindeer straight into your mouth.
In order to avoid this Yuletide disaster, begin your party preparations first thing in the morning. You will want to incorporate a vigorous workout that morning. Make sure to get your run, your Zumba class, or your bootcamp workout done early, so you won't end up dropping it from your tight schedule.
Once you check that off your list, be sure to eat all your regular meals and snacks, filled with lean protein, lots of veggies, and healthy fats. Do not starve yourself all day in order to binge on party food! This strategy will backfire badly, ending in way more calories consumed and pounds gained. In addition, drink PLENTY of water all day long. At least 3 liters before you head out the door. You want to arrive at this party well-hydrated and not hungry.
When you are deciding what to wear, I suggest you lean toward a form-fitting outfit rather than something baggy or draping. A waistband that fits your waist perfectly will be a reminder not to expand your belly with too much food. Loose clothing, on the other hand, will give you the option to overeat and to overindulge in the bubbly beverages. Plus, a form-fitting dress will properly show off the smoking hot bod that you have been working so hard to achieve all year! All the compliments you receive should be a reminder to stick to your guns and avoid those sugary carbs.
Okay, so now you are at the party. Don't head straight for the food. Head over to the bar. Make your first drink something watery and alcohol-free. WHAT? Yes, it will not hurt you to have a bottled water or seltzer first. And this will begin to fill up your stomach without adding a single calorie.
While you are sipping your sparkling water with a twist, chat up the guests and look over the food choices. Scout out the protein! You will want to start there if you are planning to drink alcohol. Protein slows the absorption of alcohol so you can consume (within limits!) with less worry. Great choices are shrimp cocktail, chicken satay skewers, crabcakes, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, and so on. In addition, look for colorful veggies and fresh fruit. Most dips are to be avoided as you will have no clue what is in them. An exception might be a spinach or veggie dip, but these are usually bound with mayo or sour cream so tread lightly. Definitely avoid the chips, crackers, breads, and refined carbs. Always use a SMALL plate. Take only a few items at a time. Eat them SLOWLY! Be extremely choosy about what goes into your mouth. And give yourself a limit. One bite of an exquisite dark chocolate mousse cake might be worth those calories, but most of the desserts should be passed over.
If you are going to choose an alcoholic drink, white wine or a light beer has about the fewest calories. Red wine has some valuable health benefits and is usually my first choice as a winter beverage. Sip your drink slowly and try to make it last. The longer the better, as the fewer drinks you consume, the more empty calories you will avoid. You will also avoid the hangover!
Then distract yourself from the food and drink with sparkling conversation. Find someone fascinating! Admire the decorations. If there is dancing, by all means, partake! And if all else fails, get the heck out of there. If you sense your will power crumbling and there is no obligation to stay, simply beat it before your binge gets a foothold. I wish you luck!
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