Holiday Parties-Keeping Spirits Up and the Weight Down!

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This the season to be overwhelmed with holiday parties, brunches, lunches, dinners, etc.  You are faced with the work holiday parties, the friends getting together for a little dining out celebration, the family parties, children’s school parties, club parties, and more!  What do you do?  You want to enjoy the food, but there is too much of it and too many opportunities to eat too much food!  I have the solution to parties, but it all depends on the types of parties you are attending.  Some are buffets, some are sit-down dinners, some are family style.  This is where YOU come in.  If you describe the type of party you are going to, I can come up with more solutions specific to that kind of event.  For now, here are some suggestions that are general, so hopefully you can find a few tips that will work for you.

First of all, NEVER eat something before going to an event.  Many weight loss companies recommend a small meal before attending a party, which will supposedly make you eat less.  I strongly disagree.  No matter how much I ate, I would make room for the delectable appetizers, main meals, sides, and desserts.  I would make room for second and third helpings too!

Whether it is self-serve at someone’s home, or even a buffet, limit yourself to one plate for the main course.  Do not get an extra plate for salad.  All must fit on one plate and there should not be seconds!  Include salad on the main plate with only a drizzling of dressing as opposed to big ladles full of it!  Fit the main course and sides on the same plate without creating a mountain of food.

If you find a party at a home will be challenging due to unhealthy selections, bring your own healthy dish!  You must make sure you eat it!  This is important because you know what has gone into it and can ensure calories and fat contents are decent.  This eliminates second guessing how many calories and fat are in someone else’s dishes.  Bringing a dish will make you look helpful and people will not understand the true motive!

Try to stay away from appetizers.  You will have plenty to eat for the main course and dessert.  Most appetizers served are fried/greasy, so save your eating for the other two courses.

Limit yourself to one small plate of dessert.  Yours truly has been guilty of trying a little bit of that cake, and a sampling of these cookies, and that irresistible rice pudding!  Choose one dessert and choose wisely!

If you opt for a cake with icing, take the top layer of icing off.  Some icing has more calories and fat than the cake part!  Usually cakes like this are double layer, so you will taste the icing that is in between the two cake layers.  The icing on top of cakes is usually thicker and of course, more fattening.

It is important to keep busy.  Socialize, dance, play with the kids, have fun!  Occupying your time with fun activities will leave you less bored.  You won’t eat to keep you busy and your mind will be off of food.

Lori Sweeney
Lori M. Sweeney is a scientist, professor, and tutor (BA, MBA) who has mastered weight loss by devising her own system to combat everyday obstacles that cause overeating. After losing 125 pounds, she has modeled for The Rachael Ray Show and has been called "The Biggest Winner" by Oxygen Magazine. Her story has appeared in both newspaper and internet articles.
Lori wants to be the "Dear Abby" of advice for obstacles that cause overeating. She wants to give confidence to those who were/are put down in their lives and want to grow a positive spirit. Lori is determined to show the world that weight loss can be done by an average person and that perseverance can be achieved, regardless of what naysayers say or do. Her book, Goodbye Fatness, Hello Gorgeous! shows struggles as a result of being overweight, and divulges tips/tricks on how to overcome healthy eating obstacles. So feel free to comment, ask a question. Lori wants to take the journey with you to help motivation increase while the weight decreases!