Between office merrymaking, neighborhood fêtes and assorted other bashes, the calendar at holiday time is crammed with opportunities to enjoy our favorite indulgences and meet this year’s party crashers—those extra unwanted pounds. But shindigs don’t have to spell diet disaster. I love a scrumptious party buffet as much as anyone, but over the years, I’ve learned how to celebrate without gaining weight.
My strategy? I never hit a party on an empty stomach. About an hour before I leave home, I munch on a healthy snack with some protein, such as nuts or yogurt, to take the edge off. This way, I can concentrate on the conversation, not the canapés.
Second? If I want a treat, I have one or two, but I try not to follow the waiter around the room. If the cheese balls are calling my name, I snap one up, then try to find a healthier option to fill up on.
Finally, given the choice between a good-for-you and a not-so-healthy food, I choose the more virtuous option. Wild salmon or the porterhouse? Salmon, please. Margaritas or wine? I can have fun at a party sipping lower-calorie heart-healthy Pinot Noir, thank you!
By simply following these three healthy commandments, I enjoy every bash without feeling the urge to exercise twice as hard the next day. Want to savor the good times without gaining? Follow these keys to RSVP “yes” to slim!
Consider the morning after. Tempted to double back to the buffet or dessert table? Put down your fork and ask yourself a question, says Judith Beck, Ph.D., of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research in Philadelphia: “How do I want to feel tomorrow? Bloated and disappointed in myself or proud and healthy?” You’ll be motivated to let the waiter clear your plate. Create a visual reminder of your goal to eat moderately by wearing your “skinny” dress or a favorite bangle. Remind yourself: I’m trying to take good care of ME! (Let our style squad help you find a new party dress with daily Lunchtime Deals.)
Prioritize seasonal specialties. I’m a sucker for chocolate lace cookies like my great-grandmother used to make. I never pass up a lace cookie during the holiday season because I know I’m unlikely to find myself in the temptation zone after the ball drops. Then, come January 1, I revert to fruit and other healthier choices. If I swore off lace cookies altogether, not only would the holidays be joyless, but my willpower would diminish at some point (whose doesn’t?). I’d probably go overboard. Got visions of your own version of lace cookies? Save room in your calorie budget for whatever makes your taste buds merry. See which cookies are the smartest pick for the party season.
Nix impossible resolutions. The way I see it, the minute I “resolve” not to eat something, it’s all I want! Better to aim to eat reasonably healthy throughout the year—yes, even smack in the middle of the social whirl, than to pledge to start fresh on January 1. If you think your days of eating for enjoyment are numbered, you’ll be more likely to overindulge while you’re still “allowed,” says Heather K., Jones, R.D., coauthor of What’s Your Diet Type (Hatherleigh Press). Instead, nibble sensibly and consistently, which means sampling some of your favorite indulgences but keeping up the “mostly healthy” approach. That way, you won’t feel compelled to go on a pre-resolution eating spree, or need to take off the holiday pounds come January—because you won’t have added them in the first place. Now, that’s cause for a toast!
Make the most of all your meals by loading up on superfoods that combat fat, fight stress or perfect your complexion.
