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!