Don’t arrive on an empty stomach – although it may seem like a good idea to skip breakfast or lunch so that you can indulge for a holiday party, skipping meals can cause you to overeat and therefore consume too many calories.
Plan before you eat – when you arrive at a party, check out all of the food options and make a plan to sample foods that you will enjoy without abandoning your good food habits.
Bring a healthy dish – to guarantee that there is something healthy on the buffet, bring it yourself.
Drink plenty of water – drinking a glass of water before a holiday meal will help you to feel more full, which will prevent overeating. Also, drinking water will help with food digestion, among many other benefits.
Limit liquid calories – alcohol and other festive holiday drinks, like eggnog, contain large amounts of empty calories. These should be consumed in very small quantities.
Don’t hover over the appetizers – grab two or three items that you really want and then step away. This way you will avoid grazing.
Budget your calories for sweet treats – If you are planning on eating a desert, plan ahead and make sure you don’t overindulge with the main meal.
Bakers beware – if you like to bake during the holidays, only keep a limited amount for yourself and give the rest away.
Exercise when you can – staying healthy isn’t just about healthy eating and water intake; you need to make sure to stay active as well.
