As we settle in for what is sure to be a busy few weeks of holiday party-hopping, we can look forward to seeing old friends, singing our favorite holiday songs (some of us better than others) and enjoying our yearly quota of baked Brie and eggnog.
To the latter point, holiday parties — drenched in sugary booze and fattening finger foods as they tend to be — come bearing a decent amount of stress. The question is: How do we avoid packing on the holiday bulge while still enjoying ourselves?
Most of us get a little extra, ahem, insulation in the winter. All that merry wishing certainly distracts me from the concern that my pants simply might not fit if I were to have a second helping. Moreover, fraternizing with some of our favorite people — or, conversely, people who stress us out, such as co-workers and insensitive relatives — makes it more difficult to pay attention to enjoying foods and drinks in moderation, leaving us that much more likely to overindulge. Sometimes, it seems the only thing that can quell the awkwardness or sufficiently celebrate the utter euphoria is another swig or bite.
I personally am looking forward to a January full of recommitting to my fitness goals — preparation for the holidays at ABC's "The Chew," of which I am a co-host, has been indulgent, to say the least! — but to make sure we're not staring down too many additional pounds, here are my top three tips to help you enjoy the holiday party scene without sacrificing your health (or wardrobe):
1) Pregame! Yes, you heard me, and no, I'm not talking shots. The best way to set yourself up for success at a holiday party is to avoid arriving when you're starving.
I like to have a snack that includes some fiber, a little fat and some protein, such as an apple or pear with a spread of almond butter or some low-fat cheese. This way, you can actually enjoy the company of the people you're with without awkwardly standing guard next to the hors d'oeuvres table. Another good tip: Chewing gum or brushing your teeth just before you arrive keeps your mouth minty-fresh — and cheese cubes and spearmint simply aren't a great match.
2) Wear tightly fitting clothing. Yep, making sure that you don't have "room to grow" in an oversize shirt, dress or comfy sweater is one surefire way to remind yourself that moderation is key. Plus, if you've been paying attention to eating well and establishing a healthy lifestyle all year long, why would you want to hide under a sheath? Get out and revel in the holiday spirit, and make your wardrobe work for you.
3) Festive wrapping does not a worthy indulgence make. Just because they come in pretty, bite-sized packaging this time of year does not make those mini chocolate bars any different from what they are in April or August. Don't waste calories eating store-bought foods that aren't special-occasion items and won't carry their weight by fueling your resolve to eat well long term. Rather, save your indulgences for special treats that are homemade or somehow significant to you and that you can't have year-round. I've got a tasty recipe for coconut pecan pound cake up on TheChew.com right now that I only let myself make around the holidays because it is so delicious I know I won't be able to resist. And because I only eat it at this wonderful time of year, I can relish every bite knowing that I am celebrating with something that is worth every calorie.
Daphne Oz is a co-host of ABC's "The Chew." To find out more about Daphne Oz and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM
