Nutrition Nuggets
Holiday party survival guide
Picture your office holiday party, what do you think about? Eating too much, drinking too much, and probably saying way too much! While we should definitely unwind and let loose at a holiday office party, that doesn’t mean its ok to go wild, take your shoes off and dance on the tables! Show some control! Here are some great tips and strategies to take with you to the party to help you avoid the morning after guilt! Well, at least avoid the guilt about what you ate last night.
Pick your battles
Lets be realistic- it is holiday season, chances are you will be out on the town a lot more often. But, that doesn’t mean you have to go to every single event! Choose the one or 2 parties or gatherings you will attend at the beginning of the week. Try to schedule your trainer or meet a friend for a spinning class early the next morning. It might help you keep those shoes on your feet the night of the party!
Never go empty handed
You mother probably taught you that you should never go to someone’s house empty handed. That’s great advice; however that’s not what we mean this time. At the holiday party be sure to keep your hands full at all times so that they are not free to grab high fat hors d'oeuvres as they pass you by. Try keeping a beverage in one hand and your purse in the other.
Go nuts, but don’t go crazy
Nuts can be an important component of a healthy diet. They are packed with heart healthy monounsaturated fats which can help control blood cholesterol levels. Nuts are a source of protein and fiber, the perfect fit when trying to keep hunger at bay. However, standing in front of the nut bowl, chatting away with a co-worker you can consume hundreds of calories and loads of fat! Back away from the nuts, and limit yourself to one lose handful.
Hydrate responsibly!
So maybe you need a couple cosmo’s to get through a night out with your boss….that’s just fine. But, remember, when we drink we might lose track of what we're eating and drinking. Try alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones.
It’s not rude to bring your own food!
Good nutrition is all about good planning. You wouldn’t walk into your 9 am meeting unprepared, why walk into a party full of delicious temptations unprepared? Plan ahead; make sure you eat a healthy breakfast of both protein and fiber (whole wheat toast with peanut butter). Have a light lunch such as a salad with grilled chicken, then maybe an afternoon snack such as carrots and hummus. If you can find out what will be served at the party, great! Otherwise, plan on the usual suspects, fried finger food, chips, creamy dip, cheese, deli meats, nuts and plenty of booze. If you don’t think there will be healthy options available for you bring a crudité with a low fat yogurt dip, or carrots, cut up whole wheat pita, and hummus. Let those hors d’oeuvre trays of cheesy and fired foods pass you by! Only eat foods off your plate rather than grabbing off the tray as it goes by. Also be sure to use silverware when eating to slow your pace down.
When you get to the party, have a strategy
Always have a plan. When you get to the party scan the food options before loading up your plate. This way you can make great choices to enjoy all your favorites. Remember, all foods can fit when you have a strategy! Holiday parties offer much more than food, they are a great opportunity to catch up on conversation with friends and family you don't typically get to see throughout the year.
Break out your “going out clothes”
You spend 45 plus hours with your colleagues each week. Why not take this opportunity to ditch the boring suit and show off that fancy wardrobe? Now don’t go dressing too risqué but think about wearing more form fitting clothes. Even if it’s just the addition of a belt you may be less likely to over eat! (if you are going straight from work, bring a change of clothes.)
On the record
Before you know it your jeans fit a little snug. A bite hear, a nibble there…the holiday season can be dangerous. Keep a written record of exactly what you are eating; both food and quantity! Make arrangements with a pal to exchange logs each day. Writing it down keeps you accountable. You will be a lot less likely to overeat and grab that second piece of pie if you know you have to write it down and share your log with someone else later on!
Get right back on the wagon!
If you overdid it last night, remember, today is a new day. Get right back on track the next morning with a healthy breakfast and a trip to the gym!