1. Drink a glass of water before going to the event and a glass of water for every glass of alcohol at the party
2. Eat something healthy and nutritious before going to the party
Do you tend to eat a wider array of foods at holiday gatherings than is typical? Do you partake of the sugary treats that may be more available there than at home? Or do you have any dietary restrictions that you intend to observe? If so, try eating something nutritious before going to the event so that you are less likely to overdo it, hungering for something that is unavailable.
3. Fill half of your plate with colorful vegetables
If half of your plate is vegetables you are less likely to overdo it with other, less nourishing foods. Balance your plate with protein and keep your carbs under control. You'll feel better without any guilt. If you are bringing a dish to the party, consider bringing a delicious cooked vegetable dish, which is more appropriate for this cooler time of year.
4. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly
This can be challenging to do at a party where you expect to talk a lot during your meal. If so, you may want to consider eating ahead of the party and just eating lightly during the meal for healthier digestion. You will also enjoy talking more if your mouth isn't filled with food. Also, if you eat quickly to get the food out of the way, this can lead to indigestion.
5. Eat only small amounts of sweets and savor them
You are probably aware that sugar is not a healthy food. Sugar is something that we need to cut way back on as a society and can also be the seat of guilt for many people who find it difficult to stay away from. The key is to enjoy it in small quantities that are savored. Your stomach does not have tastebuds, but your tongue does. So, the more you savor a small amount of dessert, the longer and more satisfying the experience. Give yourself permission to have a square or two of dark chocolate or a small amount of holiday pie or ice cream or other holiday treat without adding any guilt. Aim not to overdo and steer clear of the sugar pusher. There is typically one at every party! Also, only eat sugary foods on a full stomach to buffer its impact.
Do you tend to eat a wider array of foods at holiday gatherings than is typical? Do you partake of the sugary treats that may be more available there than at home? Or do you have any dietary restrictions that you intend to observe? If so, try eating something nutritious before going to the event so that you are less likely to overdo it, hungering for something that is unavailable.
3. Fill half of your plate with colorful vegetables
If half of your plate is vegetables you are less likely to overdo it with other, less nourishing foods. Balance your plate with protein and keep your carbs under control. You'll feel better without any guilt. If you are bringing a dish to the party, consider bringing a delicious cooked vegetable dish, which is more appropriate for this cooler time of year.
4. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly
This can be challenging to do at a party where you expect to talk a lot during your meal. If so, you may want to consider eating ahead of the party and just eating lightly during the meal for healthier digestion. You will also enjoy talking more if your mouth isn't filled with food. Also, if you eat quickly to get the food out of the way, this can lead to indigestion.
5. Eat only small amounts of sweets and savor them
You are probably aware that sugar is not a healthy food. Sugar is something that we need to cut way back on as a society and can also be the seat of guilt for many people who find it difficult to stay away from. The key is to enjoy it in small quantities that are savored. Your stomach does not have tastebuds, but your tongue does. So, the more you savor a small amount of dessert, the longer and more satisfying the experience. Give yourself permission to have a square or two of dark chocolate or a small amount of holiday pie or ice cream or other holiday treat without adding any guilt. Aim not to overdo and steer clear of the sugar pusher. There is typically one at every party! Also, only eat sugary foods on a full stomach to buffer its impact.
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