I hear you!  You feel like throwing in the towel because there are just too many temptations and reasons keeping you from staying on track.  But it doesn’t have to be that way. Â
You can still enjoy the festivities of the season, without sabotaging all of your hard work to achieve a  body you feel confident & strong in by following a few simple tips.   Think about it.  With a little planning there is no reason December can’t be that month where you maintain your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and still have a great time too!
Tips For Surviving the holiday party season when eating out: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Always have a a low-glycemic meal or snack first. I recommend a small snack that contains protein along with carbohydrates about 30 minutes before a party if you know a healthy dinner isn’t being served – it will allow you to enjoy one or two of each appetizer/snack without binging on typically unhealthy party food. This is an absolute must for me, especially before holiday parties.
Download my healthy snack cheat sheet here: Â Healthy_Snack_Ideas
- Before you eat the yummy-not-so-heathy-snacks, find the raw veggie platter and stock up. Don’t tell yourself you can’t have the other foods, just have the raw veggies first. You’ll eat less unhealthy foods and feel better the next day.
- Offer to bring a healthy appetizer. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- At a cocktail party, choose things such as the veggie plate, olives, nuts, spring rolls, sushi or fruit platters and avoid the bread based appetizers, and famous cheese dips and other refined carbs.
- At a dinner party, you’re usually at the mercy of your host ☺ but do  make sure to never go anywhere starving). Try to avoid the processed carbs, like bread, and go easy on the appetizers and dessert when possible (two bites is enough)!
- If you consume alcohol choose red wine or saki, and skip the beer, hard liquor and white wines. If you chose liquor, drink high quality vodka with club soda (not tonic) with fresh lime or lemon juice. Â Limit yourself to 1-3 drinks per week.
- Be sure to have a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage. Your body and skin will thank you in the morning.
And remember, don’t deprive yourself. If you really want a not-so-healthy appetizer, go ahead and share it with someone. If you walk into the restaurant with balanced blood sugar (because you have been eating 5-6 small meals each day) you can have a few bites of anything and be totally fine!