Holiday Survival Guide

With holiday parties in full force and new years just around the corner, the last thing we want to do is pack on those extra love pounds. So here are a couple tips to help keep the holiday weight off while still having a blast. 

At the party- be selective. The food and drinks will be endless, but with a little pre-plan there is a way to enjoy your night without blowing your "stay in shape during the holiday's" diet.

• Pre-party with a protein-rich mini meal. If you show up hungry, chances are you WILL over eat, or go straight for the booze and drinking on an empty stomach is a fast track to a hangover.
• pre-food suggestions: grilled chicken salad, quinoa & veggie hash, sashimi, piece of toast with almond butter or clear soup.
• Be picky with your apps. "Go for the worthwhile indulgence, not the cheap waste of calories."-InStyle magazine
• vitamin boosters: red peppers- low calories & packed with essential nutrients
• appetite suppressant: shrimp- the lean protein helps turn off your body's hunger mechanism.
• portion controller: broccoli- is filled with fiber & fills you up so you eat less.
• booze buster: caprese salad- fat in mozzarella slows the absorption of the alcohol into the bloodstream
• hydrator: red grapes- helps with dehydration & loaded with antioxidants. 
• Fill your plate wisely. Instead of polishing off a full plate, take small samples of everything at the buffet...and once again be selective. If you get the pasta salad, pair it the veggies and hummus. 
• Space out your drinks. If you're going to be drinking all night, mix in a water or sparkling water every 2 drinks. 
• Drink calo-meter.
• vodka soda- 95
• champagne- 120
• white/red wine- 120
• beer- 150
• hot cocoa- 176
• eggnog- 340
• Dress SEXY. If you wear tight clothing opposed to a baggy dress you will be more body-conscious and think twice before reaching for seconds. 
• Manage your late night munchies. Prepare by stocking your kitchen with the right late night snacks. You will feel better mentally and physically.
• suggested snacks: tomato juice or whole grain crackers with raw honey.

After the party, BOUNCE BACK

• Get your lazy butt out & get active.  Lounging around the house just prolongs the pain, opt for the quick fix and sweat it out. "Physical activity floods cells with oxygen and releases mood-boosting neurotransmitters," (Heather Hausenblas- exercise psychologist). This will not only help you feel better, but work off some of those extra drinks. 
• EAT Breakfast. There is a reason your body craves greasy fatty foods after a long night of drinking...your body needs to be replenished, but do it wisely.
• EAT lightly buttered toast (I use earth balance butter and Udi's gluten free toast), veggie scramble or whole-grain pancakes. DRINK orange juice to replenish depleted vitamins. 

Most importantly- HAVE FUN & DON'T STRESS IT

Thank you InStyle and Self magazine for your extra survival tips!