Avoid Holiday Party Weight Gain

Cookies, eggnog, late-night leftover turkey sandwiches – holiday party indulgences add up to at least a pound a year, and studies suggest that you never really take it off. Try these tips to avoid holiday weight gain (and looking like Santa yourself!):

Pre-Party

• Begin your day with a breakfast rich in protein and fiber
• Don’t fast before the big event, you will most likely end up eating way more than you intended to
• Before the party curb your appetite with a light, protein-packed snack like almonds, grilled chick or cheese cubes
• Pick your outfit. That baggy holiday sweater that your mom gave you might be just the most comfortable thing ever, but it will spell disaster at the party because it will let you eat tons of food without feeling any discomfort. So put on those pants or skirt that err on the tighter side.

Party Time

• Grab a salad plate instead of a dinner plate, which will force you to put less on your plate (don’t be that person who creates a food-tower)
• Taste, don’t devour! Actually concentrate on the flavors of what you are eating instead of mindlessly noshing. Chew slowly, sip slowly, and enjoy the company.
• Select low-calorie fruit, hummus, veggies and whole grain crackers
• Remember – Hors D’oeuvres do not a meal make.
• Don’t drink your calories. Opt for water, spritzers, tea and apple cider. If you feel like a cocktail try lower calorie dry wines, wine spritzers or a splash of alcohol with tonic or seltzer.
• It’s okay to turn down someone that offers you food or drink, you shouldn’t eat something unless you really want to.
• Pick your place. Standing right next to the snack table all night might not be the wisest of choices.
• Took too much? Offer the extra to family and friends around you.

Post-Party

• Bring gum. Chew it after you’ve had an appropriate serving of food. It will help you to avoid “grazing” at the table.
• Say no to leftovers. While your host is probably trying to be nice by offering you that tray of extra desserts, they aren’t doing your waistline any favors.