Let's Party and Lose Weight
Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011
by Bernice Borow
Bernice Borow, LLC
This time of year besides the million and one items on our to do lists there are numerous invitations to business and personal holiday networking events with overflowing buffets, open bar cocktail parties and of course the "deadly dessert" assortments.
It is challenging to be organized, on time, appropriately dressed and giving positive vibes to people you meet. The displayed foods are so abundant and inviting; how can we manage to enjoy these social events and come away in the same healthy body we work so hard to maintain?
Let's now focus on you at your event. One of the best decisions you can make is to assess what is being offered? Really take a good look and see what you can eat, what the portion size looks like and most important can you serve yourself? Walking the buffet is a great time killer and successful strategy; not only do you make the time to choose what you will eat you also give yourself an opportunity to talk without your hands full. I also suggest you check the time when you start eating.
Here are my tips:
- Start with having a mini meal 1-2 hours before the event. When you are not hungry you can be more objective and make smarter choices.
- Focus on small plates. You automatically will put less food on a small plate.
- Each small plate should have a protein and vegetable. Identifying the different food groups is a key strategy. Allow yourself twenty minutes before you take another plate.
- Exclude all food topped with cheese or sauce.
- Limit alcohol to wine or straight shots on the rocks or mixed with seltzer, lemon or lime.
- One glass of water for each drink is a must.
- Remember the reason you are attending is to mingle with people so eating and drinking are secondary.
- As for the dessert table, pick your favorite and enjoy the taste-the first taste is always the best!
- Keeping to healthy eating before and after events and continuing with the exercise plan that you have in place will help you balance the scale.
With the best of intentions, check out your wardrobe, focus on socializing and make eating and drinking "the least important part of the event". I have heard from my clients that it gets so much easier with every event that you attend thanks to the planning and knowledge gained about how to overcome mindless eating.
Bernice Borow RD, CDN, specialist in weight management helps her patients to achieve success as they improve their health and wellness. She is passionate and dedicated to helping you succeed. Learn more at http://berniceborow.com/
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Bernice: Nice tips. Have you've written about exercising during the season too? It's not only hard to stay away of all difficulties during these events, it is also hard for some people to keep up with exercise during this time, that's why usually the season gives weight issues to many people. Easy read! Happy holidays.
Yes to all the above Bernice.
Up until I hit my 30's, going to Private Functions, Dinners or even a Club Event was pre-planned and Pre-Prepared for the "Nibbles", "Dibbles" and "Sweet Buffet". Some really educational information here in this article, which I believe looking after the "Waistline", "Hips", and even the watching of the Calories, is all part of an education. You know, like "Chew before you swallow" and "Always leave something on the plate after a meal".
Thanks for sharing your advice and have a wonderful Christmas...more importantly, have a very prosperous New Year.
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