Your Survival Plan for the Holidays
Written by Sofia Layarda, MPH, RD
last updated: December 2005
 (HealthCastle.com) The holidays are just around the corner, which for many of us means multiple lunch and dinner parties on our calendar. A little bit of preparation can go a long way towards preventing you from over-indulging and consequently feeling guilty about doing so. You deserve a fun, enjoyable time at these parties!
Here are some simple things you can do to prepare yourself for this blitz of foods:
- Do not starve yourself
If you think the meal will be served quite late at the party, eat a little bit of food before you go. Nibble on some crackers and cheese, half a sandwich, or fruits and nuts. When you are starving, you are more likely to overeat.
- Allow yourself some treats
If you come across an entrée or dessert that you simply must try, by all means allow yourself to have some. Many buffet places now serve desserts in small portions – you always have the choice to get more of what you like. If you know the venue serves particularly large portions, share your order with someone else.
- You don't have to finish what is on your plate
Trust and listen to what your body is telling you. The chef at a restaurant or the host of a party does not know how much food you need; you do. If you feel satisfied even when your plate is still half full, you can set it aside. If the food is served in a buffet setting, you are in control of what to put on your plate and how much.
- Do not drink and drive
Stay safe during the holidays. Make arrangements to get home ahead of time, before your first mug of beer, glass of wine, or shooter. You could carpool with a designated driver or get a cab. If the party hosts are your close friends or family, they may let you sleep over for the night if you ask ahead of time.
- It's not just about food
While foods are a big part of the holidays, it is not the only thing that matters. Take the time to really enjoy the company of others. Look for the opportunity to do other things - take a walk, conduct a sing-a-long, turn on the music and get the crowd dancing, or get out the board games. If you are visiting or have out-of-town guests, do some sightseeing.
- Forgive and move on
So you may have had more wine than you should, or eaten a couple more pieces of cheesecake than you planned. You are human after all - there is no use feeling bad about it. It's just a little bump on the road and does not have to derail your plans for the rest of the season.
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