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How to Have a Healthy Ending to Your Holiday Party

Posted by Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT on December 22, 2014
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champagneGoing to a holiday dinner party? Or a cocktail party with tempting holiday appetizers?  These occasions can be a recipe for disaster... So prepare yourself!

“I’m not going to eat all day so I can have my favorite treat later.”  Some people get the idea in their head that they are going to treat themselves later, so they starve themselves all day. What happens in this situation is the person arrives at the party overly hungry and over-indulges on what they were going to have as a “little treat.”

Avoid this path to overeating and plan to eat small, balanced meals that day, including whole grains, fruit, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free dairy or protein. 

Feeling hungry before the party?

If you feel hungry before the party, have a snack that includes whole grains and protein to keep cravings at bay. Here are a few great options:

  • 4 whole grain crackers and a handful of nuts
  • 4 whole grain crackers with peanut butter
  • 4 whole grain crackers and a low-fat string cheese

If you go to the party well nourished, you will be in a better position to manage your cravings and have the “treat” you were planning in the appropriate amount... Talk about a healthy ending!

Six Tricks for Healthily Navigating a Holiday Party

  1. Move your conversation away from the table of appetizers. If food is in sight, you will be tempted to mindlessly nibble, and those calories add up!

  2. Keep your hands busy. Hold a glass of sparkling water, or another low calorie drink. If your hands are occupied, they will be less likely to wander toward that tray of food.

  3. When it comes to buffet style serving, look before you scoop! Instead of going through the line blindly and piling it on, first survey what is offered. Decide what you are going to have, keeping healthy eating in mind, and then go back and plate appropriately.

  4. Be a generous guest and bring a healthy dish to the gathering.  By doing this, you ensure that there will be a good option available and your host will surely appreciate the gesture.

  5. Pop in a mint. If you have had an appropriate serving of food and think you are going to have a hard time resisting the urge to nibble, put a sugar-free mint in your mouth. This will remind you that you have had enough, and the food will appear less appetizing with that minty taste in your mouth.

  6. Focus on friends, not food. That is why you are at this holiday party, after all!
Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT

About The Author

Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT

Mairead is a registered dietitian, media personality, and founder of the popular health and wellness blog "My Healthy Ending." She studied Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, completed her supervised practice at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and is an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. Mairead’s philosophy is grounded in the power of whole foods, plant-based nutrition, and an active lifestyle.

Post Topics Healthy Eating, Healthy Holidays