Your little black dress fits perfectly. The shoes show off your pedicure. Now, just one more thing before you head to that holiday party: a big ole glass of water and a healthy fiber-based snack. You do not want to arrive hungry and thirsty.
To keep your weight within reason this holiday season, make a pre-party plan and stick with it.
The buffet is bound to boast offering after offering of high-calorie temptations, so here’s the counter-attack:
- Stay away from the food as long as you can. Chat up your friends and introduce yourself around ““ heading away from the table.
- Water, wine, water. You know the drill. Be sure to savor every sip of a carefully-chosen wine. Swirl, sniff and let it slowly make its way over your tongue before you swallow. After one glass, grab a tall glass of water to slow you down. (Bonus: Calories and a headache avoided.)
- Chose a small plate. When it’s time to check out the bounty, use a small plate and make one tour of the table. Reward yourself with real treats ““ fresh shrimp, pretty veggies, fruit skewers, or delights you don’t make at home.
- Prepare a play list of your favorite holiday songs to get everyone moving and take the party up a notch. Save the breakout Carlton moves for Alfonso Ribeiro. (You do not want that showing up on Facebook.)
- Repeat the water, wine, water routine. Seltzer water has no calories and when dressed up in a fancy glass with a wedge of lime, it’s a perfect party choice and leaves you capable of driving home.
- Mingle on. Have you checked in with all your friends and neighbors? If not, keep moving.
- Desserts? Think first. After all, Mom’s pies are better and sister Rosemary’s cookies are always worth the splurge. Save the calories for only the best treats.
The New England Journal of Medicine is now reporting that we only put on a pound or so during the holidays but those already fighting to make that belt close are at risk for more. That makes a planned attack a smart way to go.
