1. Have a realistic goal
Have a weight goal set before the outset of the Christmas party season to keep you accountable - but make sure it's achievable. Losing weight during the Christmas and New Years period is unrealistic for most of us. Aiming to maintain weight or only gain 1-2kg by the end of the party season might be a more realistic goal.
2. Eat before you go
Make sure you eat a healthy, filling meal or snack before you go to your party. Going to a party on an empty stomach is a bad idea! You are far more likely to be tempted by the high energy finger food if you arrive at the party hungry.
3. Go 1 for 1 with your drinks
If you are drinking alcohol aim for 1 glass of water for every 1 standard alcoholic drink. This will not only help you feel a whole lot better the following morning but also slow down your alcohol intake and reduce the total kilojoules consumed from alcoholic beverages.
4. Bring a plate
If it's a 'bring a dish' affair bring a healthy option. You know there will be at least one healthy alternative at the party if you are the person bringing it. I'm sure there will be other guests in attendance that will appreciate it also.
5. Host your own party
Throw a party (and invite me)! If you are the person in charge of catering you have complete control of the food options. No one is going to complain about having a few healthy, less energy dense food options available amongst all the mini quiches, pastries and deep fried 'whatevers'.
6. Know your weakness foods
Be aware of the foods that you just can't stop eating once you start. Most people have one or more of these. If you spot these at the party try to stay as far a way as possible. Allowing these weakness foods to come too close spells definite danger for your waistline!
7. Keep active
Your exercise program has never been more important than during the party season. If you are like me and most people, despite your best efforts you will consume more kilojoules during the Christmas and New Years period then any other time of year. It's important that you keep up your exercise to help control your overall 'energy in vs energy out' balance. Exercising may not result in weight loss during this party season, but achieving weight maintenance is a definite success at a time when you could easily be packing on the kilos.
8. Say "No"
Sometimes you just have to say it. Say it with me, "No thank you". See it's not that hard! If you don't want to appear rude just blame it on being full or something... any excuse will do. If you are serious about keeping your eating on track you need to be able to say "No" when you know you have had enough or when you know you just shouldn't eat it.
9. Miss a course
If your party is a sit down 4-5 course dinner, ask yourself... do you really need all those courses? Missing 1 course is not going to leave you hungry, but it will leave you with less energy to burn off the following day. Just politely ask the wait staff to not serve up one of the courses.
10. Portion control
Alcoholic drinks and party finger foods such as pastries and deep fried options are energy dense and provide very little if any nutritional benefit. A small portion of these foods can have a BIG impact on your energy intake and waistline. Drinking alcohol in moderation and eating small sensible portions is the best approach for preventing excessive energy intake.
It's important that you enjoy the holiday period, after all, you've earned it. Our favourite foods and drinks are how we celebrate and we shouldn't deny ourselves this pleasure. Save yourself a whole lot of catching up in the new year and give yourself something else to celebrate by not undoing months of hard work with a few big binges. I hope these 10 tips help you survive the party season with minimal damage to your waistline.
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