Healthy Choices at Christmas Parties

by Suzy Stichbury December 05, 2016

It is easy to fall off the track during the holidays and indulge a bit more than you normally would. Making healthy choices at Christmas parties can be tricky, but with a little planning and willpower, it is easy to stick to your healthy eating habits and not feel guilty when you overindulge. Although this is definitely a big part of the Christmas season, knowing some strategies beforehand will help on those tempting festive nights.

• Start with a Good Breakfast

If you know you have a party to attend in the evening, starting with a breakfast that will keep you full and your blood sugar levels normal is vital. Oatmeal or a hot porridge is an excellent choice and will help control hunger later in the day.

• Have a Pre-Party Snack

Before the party, make sure to have a healthy snack so you don’t arrive ravenous. Yogurt and bananas are an excellent option, as is a small cup of chunky vegetable soup. Eating something healthy right before you leave to the party will make sure you don’t overindulge when you arrive.

• Choose Vegetarian Options

Most parties will be laden with a variety of different foods that only come around once a year. While these all can be tempting, choose whatever vegetarian options are available at the party to keep away excess fat and calories. Forgo the mini-meatballs as tempting as they may be, and opt for another serving of fresh fruit or veggies. Vegetarian options tend to be higher in nutrients and lower in saturated fat and excess calories.

• Stay Hydrated and Limit your Alcohol

Be conscious of drinking 8-10 glasses of water the day before and of your Christmas party. When at the party, limit your alcohol and make sure to drink water between each alcoholic drink. Staying hydrated and limiting your alcohol will also help keep hangovers at bay, which are something that are all too common during the Christmas season!

• Beware of the Buffet

Nothing quite says “Christmas party” more than a buffet loaded with foods that only come around once a year. This can seriously be a disaster area for your diet or healthy eating habits. Take your time selecting healthy options such as salad, fruits, or vegetables. Try lean proteins and stay away from calorie-laden casseroles and dips. Limit yourself to one trip and you will feel amazing with your sense of willpower and accomplishment.

• Skip the Sweets

This may sound next to impossible, but Christmas parties are often an excuse to throw good eating habits out the window and seriously overindulge. Sweet treats are a huge part of the Christmas season and have the power to destroy your healthy diet. Try skipping the dessert table altogether, unless its healthy sweet treats by swoonfood (see image). If there are no healthy dessert options and you must have dessert, limit it to one small item, and don’t go back for more.

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