So you've made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas, and you have one last holiday party at which to practice self-control: New Years. Often filled with high calorie finger foods and drinks, New Years can pose quite a problem for those watching their weight. Follow these tips for assuring that you make it through one last holiday party without busting your waistline!
1. Arrive at the Party Full
Don't skimp on meals on the day of your holiday party. Instead, eat three regular, balanced meals so that you are not ravenous when the time of the party finally arrives. You may even arrive at the party with a full stomach (from a healthy meal) so that the snack table is barely even tempting. Instead, focus on socializing with good friends and family throughout the evening.2. Don't Hang Out By the Snack Table
It may seem like such an obvious solution, but if you choose not to hang out by the snack table, you will find yourself much less tempted to snack on the fattening goodies thereon! Oftentimes, people will congregate around the food table or in the kitchen where the food is. Instead, strike up an interesting conversation with someone where food is out of site, thus keeping your mind off of those tempting goodies.3. Offer to Bring an Appetizer
If the party is not at your home where you have control over what foods are served, kindly ask your host if you may help out by bringing an appetizer to share. Then, choose a healthy,
low calorie appetizer that you will feel comfortable eating yourself. This may be as easy as preparing a plate of fresh fruit or fresh veggies and
dip. That way you will be able to snack with the other guests and not feel awkward or left out.
4. Use a Small Plate and Eat Slowly
Use a small plate when visiting the snack table as it will fill up faster and you will end up taking less food. In addition to that, take only two or three items at a time. While your first reaction when seeing the buffet table may be that you would like a little of everything, you may find that you are actually satisfied and filled with only a couple food items. Also, eat slowly and enjoy the foods you select as this will add to satiety.5. Wear Snug-Fitting Clothing
Perhaps it sounds a little odd, but wearing snug-fitting clothing (especially in the abdominal area) will help you to feel more full with less food. It is simply the reverse of the old trick where you might where loose-fitting stretch pants when you intend to make the most of a huge feast. Also, wearing something that is slimming and that you feel good in may help you to keep in mind your New Year's goal of a healthier you.6. Limit the Alcohol
Oftentimes alcoholic beverages abound at holiday parties. If you plan to drink alcohol, keep in mind that aside from fat, it contains more calories than any other nutrient you may consume (including carbohydrates and protein). Offer to be the designated driver and avoid alcohol altogether, or limit yourself to one drink. Instead, drink water or seltzer water which will not add inches to your waistline.7. Be a Food "Snob"
Some of us may eat foods simply because they are there, whether you really enjoy them or not. Instead, try being a food snob. In other words, only indulge in foods that you really, really enjoy, and which are of such high quality that they are worthy of your snack plate! You may find that you are just as happy with a couple really tasty food items as opposed to a whole plate full of foods that you can easily eat on any old day.
