9 Tips To Help You Survive Holiday Party Overeating

Parties are opportunities to be social and have fun! Just be careful not to let the food at the party distract you from talking with friends and family. Even if the tables are laden with your favorites, with a little forethought and preparation, you can make healthy food choices that won’t derail your good eating habits.

1. Don’t arrive hungry. Hunger can make it difficult to make good food choices -- everything looks delicious when you’re starving. Eat a small meal and drink some water to take the edge off your hunger before arriving at the party
   
   
2. Take a walk around to see what food is available -- before you pick up a plate. Take note of the healthy selections.
   
   
3. Fill 3/4 of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Then choose a few other items to round out your meal, like lean protein options.
   
   
4. Limit yourself to one trip to the serving table. If you're still hungry, go for the healthy produce options.
   
   
5. Cut down on portion sizes to allow yourself a bite or two of your favorites. Use a smaller plate and serve your food with a teaspoon instead of a large serving spoon.
   
   
6. Reduce your alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol lowers your inhibitions, making you more likely to make poor food choices. Enjoy a drink, but alternate with a glass of mineral water or a iced tea.
   
   
7. Watch out for appetizers. A handful of cheese and crackers can set you back hundreds of calories while a single chicken wing contains about 200 calories but hardly puts a dent in your hunger. Select one or two pieces of cheese to savor and save your calories for a full piece of baked chicken instead.
   
   
8. If you want to have an appetizer, select something nutrient-rich, like bruschetta with fresh tomatoes or shrimp in cocktail sauce.
   
   
9. Enjoy desserts in small portions. It’s the first three or four bites that taste the best, so take a small portion of your favorite and savor each bite.