UGH….

I know many of our clients {brides and grooms alike}….Have been dieting and working out to get ready and look good for the BIG DAY!

I feel for you, as many know from reading Face Book – I’m on Adkins to try to drop a bunch of weight before my {milestone} birthday in February.

I found some great tips online about how to survive holiday parties…

I thought this would be great to pass on to readers who are brides, grooms, moms and wedding professionals as well…

Holiday parties can be the downfall for all of us….

1. Make a game plan, and try to be realistic.

Do you think you want to make it though the party totally “on plan”? If not, how much of a deviation do you want to allow yourself?

Think about how you will feel after the party.

Having a few bites of something off-plan won’t break the bank, but you don’t have to give in to “all or nothing thinking,” either.

Eating a cookie doesn’t need to be the beginning of a long night of “pigging out.” On the other hand, you might decide that there is one special party where you’ll choose to indulge.

The important thing is to see it as a planned deviation, and not slide into, “Oh, well, there’s always New Years.”

2. Ask the if you can bring something, and make sure it is yummy, as well as healthy. That way you know you’ll have something to fall back on.

3. Don’t leave the house half-starved.

That’s an open invitation to scarf down the first five things your eyes fall on.

Eat a substantial, health snack and drink a big glass of water. With stable blood sugar,{and feeling full}  you’ll be more able to think clearly and make good decisions, too.

4. Check out the food scene, and form a plan. If you’ve planned a treat, figure out what it will be, but don’t grab it yet. Just know that later on, it will be yours. (If you’re worried it will be gone, see if you can find somewhere to stash it.)

5. Continue to think about healthy foods…. Head for these things first, which will make it easier to limit your treats later.

Put a small amount of food on your napkin and go find someone to talk to, away from the food.

6. Get something to drink. Good choices are something calorie-free or dry wine. Avoid sugary mixers.

Hold the drink in your dominant hand (right hand if you’re right-handed) as long as you’re standing near food. (This trick works better than you’d think. It delays the “reaching instinct” long enough for your brain to engage.)

{I LOVE THAT TIP!}

7. Keep your focus on conversation and entertainment, preferably away from the food table. When you veer closer, stick to small amounts and veer away again. Think “nibble” rather than “bite.”

8. After an alcoholic drink, make the next one or two calorie-free drinks. This not only cuts down on carbs and calories, but helps keep your good judgment intact.

9. If there is a buffet dinner, focus on the healthy foods: salads, vegetables, lean meats, fruit. These usually are far more tasty than the potatoes and rice, anyway.

10. Now it’s time for your treat, if you’ve decided to have it.

 The rule is: Enjoy every bite. This requires focus. And be aware of the “Law of Diminishing Dessert Returns:” The first few bites are usually the best. If your enjoyment is lessening, why continue?

You’ve had a great time celebrating, the evening is a success, and no regrets or “junk food  hangovers” the next day

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