Smart Dining at Parties and Buffets!

Food is everywhere during the holidays! In December and January, it’s a food fiesta everywhere! These couple of months seem to dump – delicious - food on you wherever you go and whatever time of the day it is! So, even though it’s quite a “health mess”, there is, in fact, lots of ways to control your calorie intake. They key is moderation and portion control! These helpful tips can help you during these holiday parties and dinners without totally depriving yourself or feeling guilty.

·        Try to maintain a regular eating schedule, starting with breakfast. Don’t skip meals because this lowers blood sugar levels and causes you to overeat the rest of the day to make up for those missed calories.

·        Balance party meals with other meals during the day. Eat small, healthy meals with fewer calories so that party foods won’t cause you to exceed your total calorie intake for the day.

·        Never go to a party hungry. Take the edge off your hunger by eating a healthy, filling snack (e.g. fruit, small peanut butter sandwich or low fat yogurt) beforehand so you won’t overeat at the site of the deliciousness.

·        Drink plenty of water throughout the day, including a glass before your dinner or party. It helps fill you up and offsets upcoming dehydrating drinks  like coffee or alcohol.

·        Take smaller portions, and eat only the foods you really like. Don’t go on wasting precious calories eating unpleasant foods because they’re just there.

·       Architect your plate: Fill half the plate with simple vegetables and a quarter with carbohydrates. The remaining quarter should be protein foods, which help you to feel full longer and help curb the carbohydrate cravings.

·        Enjoy the night and enjoy your food! Eat small bites, chew slowly, and savor each delicious bite. You will probably enjoy the food more, get full faster and won’t overeat.

·        Don’t drink your calories. Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all. Alcohol is full of calories, can increase your appetite and it reduces the number of fat calories you burn for energy!

·        Don’t hang out next to the buffet and before going back for seconds, wait 20 minutes for your food to “settle.” It takes that long for your stomach to tell your brain that you’re full.

·        Save calories by skipping dessert or choosing fresh fruit when it is available. Now if you want dessert, eat fewer calories during the meal and try to share one dessert with a friend!

Last but not least, get plenty of exercise! During holidays, most tend to ditch their healthy habits, eat like there’s no tomorrow and “slob” around! Remember, you gain weight if you eat more calories than you burn, eat your holiday fiesta and make sure to burn it off!

Christmas dinner photo