We're entering the 4th quarter of the year, a time known for holiday get-togethers, and a time when it becomes especially tricky to control eating. Here are some tips to help you navigate the food rush. They all center on planning ahead for how you will eat, both before you arrive and while you are at the party. You probably will spend some time picking out your outfit for the event -- spend the same amount of time planning out your meals for that day. Use this strategy throughout the year, whenever you will be attending a special event where you think that distractions and temptations may hinder your ability to make in-the-moment decisions about eating in compliance with your meal plan.
- Stick strictly to your meal plan during the day so that you can have room for some flexibility at the party -- even for dessert.
- Within the "party meal," fill up on low-carbohydrate vegetables like salad greens, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, peppers, or squash.
- If you are given a choice of entrees at your event, opt for lean meats such as skinless chicken or turkey, white fish, clams, crab, lobster, scallops, or shrimp.
- Opt for foods that are steamed, baked, grilled or roasted with little fat (rather than fried).
- Eat slowly and refill your ice-water often.
- When the music starts, don't sit in your chair the whole night -- get up and dance off some of those carbs and calories!
- Do all this, and then go ahead and enjoy a small portion of something indulgent for dessert. In moderation, and in combination with a well-planned out day of healthy eating, a holiday treat should fit into your plan.
Happy Holidays!
