Whether you are ready to jump away from the stress of it all or you are falling overboard with the weight of too many cookies, here are some tips to help you find balance this holiday feast season.
1. Load Up on Veggies
If the party is nothing but appies, start at the veggie tray first. Fill at least half your plate with veggies, easy on the ranch dressing, before you throw on the sausage rolls. And no, spinach dip does not count as a veggie. At the dinner table, do the same thing, make veggies the bulk of your plate.
2. Take a Walk
Make it a family tradition to take a walk when you gather. Go before dinner so you work up an appetite, or head outdoors once you’ve finished to avoid the dessert tray.
3. Skip the Big Dessert
Speaking of the dessert tray, why don’t you consider skipping dessert? So many of us get hung up on making a showstopper dessert after making a showstopper meal. But with the abundance of cookies and pie available over the holidays there isn’t much point.
4. Eat Before the Party
You see this tip a lot. Load up at home so you aren’t hungry at the party, resulting in you eating less. Sure, in a perfect world. But for those of us who can’t resist a buffet table this is dangerous advice. Instead, focus on eating really well the day before and day of the party. Vegetable soups, loads of salads, and fruit for breakfast instead of a full meal before hitting the party. Life is about balance. If you know you are going to overindulge then eat a bit better before. Just don’t starve yourself because that is an invitation to go overboard.
5. Get People in the Kitchen
Don’t be a slave to your own kitchen while everyone else parties. Make it potluck or make the preparation of the meal integral to the party. Try a make your own pizza party, stir fry bar, or chili cook-off. Holiday parties are about gathering with family and friends, not a turkey.
