7 tips for conquering holiday parties
Bring on the buffets and open bars! You've got this.
Eat, drink, and be healthy. Hoo, boy. It will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that research shows 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!—during any “gotcha” moments.
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 flavored seltzer, rather than sugar-heavy sour mix.
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.
The wine keeps flowing. It can be difficult to keep track of 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.
The person next to you orders bread. If you want a piece of bread, enjoy it! If you’re opting out, try positioning the basket at a spot on the table out of reach.
You use up your SmartPoints on appetizers. Do you have any weeklies? If not, see if there are anyZeroPoint™ 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 tomorrow can help you enjoy the moment.
The host insists you try everything. Ask which dishes are her absolute favorites. Then take small portions and don’t worry about cleaning your plate.
Everyone else orders dessert. See if a friend will share with you, or look for options like icy and sweet sorbets.