Along with caroling, gift giving and seasonal cheer, the holidays usually come with a delightful array of delicious treats that can tempt even those with great willpower.
There are, however, ways to enjoy the party – and some goodies – without tipping the scale. There are some simple ways that you can still savor the festivities while remaining sensible in this most decadent holiday season.
- Bring an item that you enjoy to the party – and make it healthy. The thing about holiday party food is that you have no idea what’s in each item. By bringing an item to the party, you are not only being a considerate guest, but you are assuring that you have something healthy to eat.
- Try eating before you go to the party. That way, you get in a healthy and nutritious meal and won’t arrive wanting to eat everything in sight. Also, those who tend to make healthy choices earlier in the day are more likely to continue making healthier choices as the day goes on. You can still enjoy a few treats, but this way, you can be calculated about your choices.
- Be wise about the booze. Many people don’t count what they drink when they are thinking about calories. Alcoholic beverages, sodas and juice have massive amounts of sugar, which means lots of calories. If you still think that it won’t be a true party without alcohol, then opt for a glass of wine (better yet, a spritzer) or a light beer. If you are more the mixed-drink type, opt for club soda over tonic and use a lime to sweeten it up a bit.
- Don’t hang out by the food table. The tendency at any party is to congregate in the kitchen, where there’s food. Parties are about people, people. Get out into the living room, mingle, and you will find that you will eat a lot less.
- Put your food on a plate and sit down to eat. If you hover over the food table and pick at the food, you will have no idea how much you are eating – which can add up. By thoughtfully arranging a plate of food, you can make sure that you are eating the right things and in appropriate quantities. Try adding to your plate first the healthier vegetables and salads (this is where the dish that you brought comes in handy), but still save room for some of your favorites — in moderation. Sit down and enjoy what you’re eating. By consciously tasting every bite, you will eat less, slow down and enjoy the moment.
- Plan ahead. If you know that you are going to be tempted with an array of tasty treats in the evening, make sure that you exercise for an extra 10 minutes or so that day. Taking a long walk, jogging or hitting the treadmill may even give you motivation to behave at the party.
We would be remiss if we didn’t touch ever so lightly on safety during the holidays as well. If you are drinking, don’t drive. Clear as that. Work it out with a buddy or spouse ahead of time and decide who will be the designated driver — and stick to it. The Chester County Hospital wishes you and yours a safe and festive holiday season.
