Holiday party..best way to deal?

Virkati

What is the best way you all have found to deal with the holiday party scene? Some parties are practically mandatory and I don't want to sabotage myself. How do you do it? I have NO idea what's on the menu, no way to find out, and I KNOW desert will be provided as well.

I know to eat during the day, not starve myself, have a little of whatever I want...but that's part of the problem. The "little" has, in the past, been a trigger for overeating other stuff later. Eventually though, I'm going to need to learn how to do this. My first attempt is tomorrow night. Any suggestions?

beamer0821

my strategy has always been to eat on the lower side of my calorie range for breakfast and lunch. for example ill eat anywhere from 300-500 for breakfast, so that day i make sure to eat something around 300 calories.

plan for a snack before you go. so your not ravenous. the 100-150 calorie snack could save you 500-1000 calories there because your "starving" and not thinking when you arrive.

lastly, i plan to eat things i can't normally have. bread, cheese, crackers, etc i can have those any day. so i stick to things that are more special. and i portion control, make sure to have your plate balanced. getting a sandwich or burger? i eat 1/2 and pair it with a veggie rather than fries. eating a protein like meat or chicken? skip the potatoes or portion out 1/4 cup eyeballed.

and stay aware. put your fork down. you may not even need to "portion control" because when you pause and drink something and socialize by the time you come back to your fork you may feel satisfied.

also sometimes, sometimes. i wear something fitted its in an incentive to not overdo it, how else am i going to suck in my gut when i stand up? LOL!!

Virkati

I love what you're saying! I had already planned to wear a pair of slacks that aren't the most comfortable because they're still a little snug. But you're right about not being able to suck in my gut...can't in those pants cuz I'm already sucking in just to wear them lol!

cwolfman13

Simply learning portion control and utilizing that skill is awesome...it is a skill and just like any skill, it must be practiced. Be mindful of what you are doing.

Also, if you're planning on indulging a bit...just go a little lighter earlier in the day.

Sabine_Stroehm

I start with a plate of veggies and a glass of wine. After I settle in, I revisit the food table and eat a few things that really look appealing. Portion size is key.

segacs

I just eat small amounts of whatever's served. If it's a buffet, I'll sample different things in small amounts and avoid the traps. If it's a sit-down dinner, I'll eat until I've had a me-sized portion and then stop eating.

If you're worried what people will think... trust me, nobody ever notices. They're busy eating and drinking their own food, and socializing and having fun.