The Holiday season is upon us and for many of us with it comes parties, alcohol and a departure from our normal eating habits! Why is it when it is on a beautiful tray, on a table filled with other treat laden beautiful trays does food I would never consider eating suddenly sound good? (And if I have had a glass of wine, it doesn’t even have to be on a beautiful tray!) With the kick off to the holiday parties on Turkey day next week, these are my ideas to avoid the usual mindless munching.
- Eat before I go: I am going to have a small, protein filled snack about an hour before I have to leave for the party. The protein will keep me full longer and keep me from reaching for high calorie foods just because I am starving.
- Check out all options before filling my plate: Before I take a plate, I am going to look at all the food options in the room and decide which ones will be the best choices. This does not mean I will not have any “treats” but that I am going to decide which ones are really “special” and are worth the indulgence. (Because really, what are the holidays without some “treats”!)
- I am going to fill my plate with healthy choices: I plan to fill my plate with as many fruits, vegetables and other nutrient dense food like shrimp as I can. I plan to skip the dips, cheeses, fried foods and other foods with a high calorie to nutrient ratio. If my plate is full of nutrient dense food, there is less room for food that doesn’t nourish.
- Alternate water with alcohol: Between each glass of wine or cocktail that I drink, I plan to have a glass of water. This will keep me hydrated. Being hydrated slows down the consumption of alcohol, decreases the likelihood of a hangover and helps me feel full longer.
- Bring a healthy appetizer to share: I plan to bring a healthy appetizer to share. This will be my contribution to the party and gives me something I know that I want to eat.
