Healthy Holiday Series: Our Top 8 Tips for Holiday Parties

Arm yourself with the following tips to tackle a season of holiday parties without ever needing the elastic waistband.

1. Eat Before You Go to the Holiday Party

Pick something hearty that’s likely to keep you satisfied. Think high fiber and lean protein like bean or turkey chili with tons of veggies.

2. Bring a Healthy Appetizer or Side Dish to the Party

This way, you can fill up on on the dish that you brought along — guilt-free. Check out Zipongo’s recipes for some healthy and delicious ideas.

3. Be Selective when Choosing What Goes on Your Party Plate

Instead of piling on a bunch of high-calorie food items willy nilly onto your plate, take the time to choose one or two favorite items, and savor small portions.

Tip: Ask fellow guests what they think about the food and which items are their faves. This will help you zero in on the good stuff and avoid loading up on calories that just aren’t worth it.

4. Fill Up on Healthier Items at the Party

Look for veggie sticks, fruit and salad to fill out the majority of your plate. Can’t find these items? Remember the healthy dish you brought? Yep, go with that instead.

5. Chew on Gum at the Party

There will of course be times when, even though you’re full, you won’t be able to stop munching on all of the tempting items spread out on the table. After all, it’s a social event, and sharing food with friends is part of the fun. When you find yourself in this situation, consider filling your mouth another way — with gum.

6. Choose Your Party Drink Wisely

Avoid adding syrup, juice, sugar or any soda other than soda water to your alcohol. If you’re going to drink alcohol, here are your best choices along with serving sizes:

• 4 oz wine
• 
  
• 12 oz light beer
• 
  
• 1.5 oz hard alcohol

One serving of alcohol is approximately 100 calories or 20 minutes of walking to burn off.

7. Don’t Forget About Water

The winter months are often dehydrating and so is drinking alcohol. Make sure to fit in a couple of glasses of water or tea when you’re at the party.

8. Have Fun at the Holiday Party

Now that you’re ready to hit the party circuit in a healthy way, you can focus on the main attraction: enjoying your time socializing and engaging with your friends and family.