The holiday party season is here but it tends to be packed full of carbs! Cookies, candy, desserts, and holiday breads are added to the usual array of crackers, chips, and rolls. Before you eat, take some time to think ahead to avoid overindulging.

Before you Go

1. Make a Realistic Plan. Having a few bites of something off-plan won’t break the bank. Eating a cookie doesn’t need to be the beginning of a long night of “carbing out”.

2. Ask the hostess if you can bring something, and make sure it is healthy & yummy so you know you’ll have something to fall back on.

3. Don’t leave the house starved. Eat a substantial snack with protein, fat, and fiber in it (example: “roll ups” of turkey slices with spinach dip as a filling). With stable blood sugar, you’ll be more able to think clearly and make good decisions, too.

When you Get There

4. Check out the food and form a plan. If you’ve planned a treat, figure out what it will be and try to hold out until later in the evening to treat yourself.

5. While picking from the food selection remember “protein, fiber, fat”.

Go for the proteins, veggies and dip, cheese tray & nuts. Put a small amount on your napkin and go find someone to talk to, away from the food.

6. Get something to drink. Good choices are something calorie-free or dry wine. Avoid sugary mixers. (you might consider taking your own drink to ensure you have an option)

The Party Continues

7. Keep your focus on conversation and entertainment, preferably away from the food table.

8. After an alcoholic drink, make the next one or two calorie-free drinks. This not only cuts down on carbs and calories, but helps keep your good judgment intact.

9. If there is a buffet dinner, focus on the low-carb foods: salads, vegetables, meats, fruit.

Sweet Endings

10. Now it’s time for your treat, if you’ve decided to have it. Be sure to enjoy every bite. You’ve had a great time celebrating and there won’t be any “carb hangovers” the next day.

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