
Heading to a Holiday Party? 7 Tips for Indulging Wisely
December 07, 2018
As your schedule fills up with dinner parties, happy hours, and other holiday festivities, you may feel like it’s impossible to maintain normal eating habits (let alone try and improve them).
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to eat lighter in any social situation. We asked our nutrition coaches to share their top strategies for navigating the season’s parties. You can call on these tips whenever you feel like you want to indulge a bit more wisely.
Also scope out the lower-calorie options, such as “a glass of wine, light beer, or clear liquors mixed with soda water,” recommends Noora Mousa, RDN. “Also, try not to eat less food to allow more calories for alcohol. You’ll lose out on nutrients and potentially gain a hangover.”
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to eat lighter in any social situation. We asked our nutrition coaches to share their top strategies for navigating the season’s parties. You can call on these tips whenever you feel like you want to indulge a bit more wisely.
1. Have a light bite before you go
This way, you won’t arrive hangy and eager to eat whatever’s in sight. Try to have a snack that has a balance of carbs, fat, and protein, such as a fresh apple with a spoonful of almond butter. You may find that having a balance of each nutrient can help you feel satisfied and tied over until your next meal.2. Set a booze strategy
Alcohol calories can add up quickly, especially when mixers like eggnog are involved. Having a plan is key to boozing wisely. Before heading to the party, decide on the number of drinks you’re going to have. Once you pick a number, it’ll be much easier to pace yourself throughout the night.Also scope out the lower-calorie options, such as “a glass of wine, light beer, or clear liquors mixed with soda water,” recommends Noora Mousa, RDN. “Also, try not to eat less food to allow more calories for alcohol. You’ll lose out on nutrients and potentially gain a hangover.”