7 Tips to get you through holiday party season

Eat, drink, and be healthy. Hoo, boy, that can seem like a challenge. This will come as a surprise to absolutely no one: Research shows that people tend to gain weight between mid-November and early January. While we might hit the holiday-party circuit with good intentions, even the best laid plans can be thrown off track. (We see you, dessert buffet.) Keep these tips close by to help you conquer the season—while still having fun!—especially at unexpected “gotcha” moments, like these:

1. Surprise! There’s an open bar. Decide if not paying for the drinks really changes how many you want. If it does, keep an eye out for lower-SmartPoints® mixers like fresh lime juice or flavoured seltzer, rather than sugar-heavy sour mix.

2. Don’t want to track every bite? That’s OK—there’s no need for perfection. Stay aware of your portion sizes using the hand method and resolve to track as usual at your next meal.

3. The wine keeps flowing. It can be difficult to keep tabs on how much you’ve had to drink if a waiter keeps refilling your glass before it’s empty. Ask the server to wait until you’ve fully finished before offering you another round.

4. The person next to you orders bread. If you want a piece, enjoy it! If you’re opting out, try positioning the basket at a spot on the table out of reach, or order a side salad to munch on instead.

5. You use up your SmartPoints on appetizers. Do you have any weeklies? If not, see if there are any ZeroPoint™ foods and lower-SmartPoints options during dinner. No low-SmartPoints options on the menu? Keep in mind that one night is not going to derail you. Make the best choices you can and put a plan in place for breakfast. Knowing that you have a fresh start ahead tomorrow can help you enjoy the moment.

6. The host insists you try everything. Ask which dishes are her absolute favourites. Then take small portions and don’t worry about cleaning your plate.

7. Everyone else orders dessert. See if a friend will share with you, or look for options like icy-sweet sorbets.

Holidays are often linked to positive memories, feelings, and yes, traditional meals. That means you may be more inclined to dive into special foods or drinks you only enjoy once a year. Also, studies show that we tend to eat larger portions of food when we’re with people as opposed to when we’re alone. Knowing this can help you pay attention to your party eating habits and come equipped with some of the strategies above.