6 Strategies to Avoid Holiday Party Diet Disaster

With the season of nonstop holiday parties officially underway, you need a plan to stay on track! Use these six tips to stay committed to healthy eating and avoid holiday weight gain. Tweet this

Three Bites and Goodbye

Remember: All foods are OK in moderation. But when we start, some of us can't stop eating certain favorites. Instead of completely forgoing ice cream, cake and chips, try the "three bite rule." Tweet this On the first bite, introduce yourself to the flavors. On the second bite, savor it. On the third bite, say goodbye! Research shows that our taste buds become desensitized to a food's flavor in just three bites anyway.

Plan Your Indulgences

If you know you will be attending a party in the evening and plan to have a piece of chocolate cake, eat healthful foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains throughout the entire day.

Do Not Starve Yourself before a Party

Eating a small snack or low-calorie meal before you leave the house will help keep you on track and reduce the temptation of overeating at the party.

Choose Your Foods Wisely

Make conscious decisions and make sure every bite is worth it. Don't just eat something because it's there. Eat it because it tastes absolutely delicious.

Make Socializing the Priority

Move your conversations away from the buffet table to minimize mindless munching. Tweet this

Re-think Your Drink

Start your night with a calorie-free, non-alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic beverages are a triple-threat to your healthful plan: they are full of empty calories, lower your ability to make good decisions about healthful foods and pose health problems when consumed in excess. Remember that moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Holidays are a great way to relax and enjoy your family and friends. With a little planning, you can keep off those extra holiday pounds and still enjoy the season!

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Jessica Dean
Jessica Dean, RD, CD-N, is a Connecticut-based registered dietitian. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.