Christmas season is nearly coming. Parties are all around you so they likewise bring loads of chances for mingling, eating, and drinking. So here are some of the tips that can help you trim some calories this season.
1. To shave calories, limit the takes on nuts, cheese, cream sauces, gravy, butter, and whipped cream — additions that don’t add much to the meal, but can add plenty to your waistline. Trim calories wherever you can so you leave the party feeling satisfied, but not stuffed.
2. Wear snug clothes and keep one hand busy. When you wear snug-fitting attire, chances are you’ll be too busy holding in your stomach to overeat. While you stand around looking posh in your holiday finery, hold a drink in your dominant hand so it won’t be so easy to grab food.
3. Chew a gum. When you don’t want to eat, pop a piece of sugarless gum into your mouth. This works well when you’re cooking or when you’re trying not to dive into the buffet.
4. Snob the food. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it. Check the buffet for foods you truly treasure and skip the everyday dishes that are available all year long. And don’t think it’s your responsibility to sample everything on the buffet. Go ahead and indulge in your personal holiday favorites, then find a seat and, slowly and mindfully, savor every mouthful.
5. Don’t skip meals. Always eat normally on the day of a party. “Eating sensibly throughout the day will take the edge off the appetite and empower a bit of restraint.” Start with a nourishing breakfast, have a light lunch, then a small snack or salad shortly in the evening.
6. First things first. When you arrive at the party, get a glass of water and drink, and wait at least 30 minutes before eating. This will give you time to relax, get comfortable in your surroundings, and survey your food choices on the buffet before eating.
7. Always add fun and games. It will take the focus out of food and get family and friends more active during the party. Think indoors, try a spirited game of charades, or rent an instructional dance video followed by a dance-off.
8. Alternate alcohol with nonalcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories — especially holiday favorites.
9. Skip the appetizers. If you need a little nibble before the meal, go for the veggies, fruit, salsa, or a small handful of nuts.
10. Limit the variety. Putting only two items on your plate when you go to the food table. Return as many times as you like, but only take two items each time. More choices stimulates appetite, but if you limit your choices to just a few items and stick with these, it will be easier to control than eating a little bit of 20 different dishes.
