Holiday party season is here! That means fun, cheer and often lots of food and drinks. Registered Dietitian Brittany L. Jones shares tips to help you enjoy the holiday party season, while maintaining your healthy lifestyle!
- Don’t skip meals.
Research shows that skipping meals can cause overeating later in the day. Stick to your normal meal and snack patterns as much as you can.
- Use a plate.
It might sound simple, but picking up a small plate will help you consume less. Avoid standing by the buffet or appetizer table and grazing. By using a plate you are more aware of what you are consuming, and are more likely to eat mindfully when going back for seconds.
- Bring a vegetable dish to the party.
Let’s be honest, you know there is going to be meat and carbs at the party so be the one who brings the vegetables to balance it out! Bringing a healthy vegetable dish can ensure that you have a healthy option, and also brings some beautiful *color* to the spread.
- Make half your plate vegetables.
Filling up half your plate with vegetables is an easy way to control your calories and carbs at a holiday party. Aim to have a quarter of your plate carbs and a quarter of your plate protein.
- Focus on lean protein.
Opt for chicken, turkey, and fish as your protein sources. Avoid higher calorie dishes with bacon and sausage.
- Survey the buffet and be picky.
Check out everything before making your final decision. Be picky and choose your favorites.
- DANCE!
Get moving and dance! It’s a great calorie burner, aids in digestion and can normalize your blood sugars after a big meal.
- Hold your drink in your non-dominant hand.
Holiday cocktail season is here! Avoid the hangover with this trick that will help you consume less.
- Make every other drink water.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Not only will consuming water help slow down your holiday cocktail consumption, it will also help you combat the higher salt content in party foods.
- Conversation has no calories!
Food sometimes takes over as the star of the holidays, but don’t forget the true meaning of this season. Talk with your friends and family IN PERSON (and not on social media).
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