Six Quick Tips to Navigating the Holiday Parties

The Season is coming.... parties, parties and parties. Do you know that the average person can gain 5-10 pounds in just a couple of months?




Here are six (6) quick tips for the upcoming Holiday Parties....

1. Make sure you start with a filling breakfast, light lunch and a small snack before you leave for the party.  For the snack, make sure you have the combo of protein and carb such as a piece of string cheese and apple or 2 tsp of nut butter and apple.
2. Skip the appetizers. Try to avoid, but if you did not have time for a small snack before arriving to the event, go with the veggies, fruit, salsa or a small handful of nuts.  We are so ingrained with mindless grazing at social events.  Avoid the chips and any food that is cheese laden, fried or requires you to dip in cream sauces.
3. Water.  To keep your appetite at bay make sure to keep your dominant hand busy, sip on water while socializing.  This should help you not indulge in mindless snacking.
4. Scan the buffet.  When you arrive to the event, scan the buffet table to look for healthy choices.  
5. Restaurants.   Order hot soup (sorry broth-based not cream).  Try to skip the bread and butter, ask for salad dressing on the side, look for grilled protein and vegetables, not sauteed in butter, and make sure you ask questions about how the food is prepared.  
6. Concentrate on the meal you’re eating.  Focus on your food - the smell, taste and texture of each item.  Socialize with family and friends.  After each bite, put your utensils down and chew thoroughly while observing/listening to those around you.