Share the Love (Handles!) - Did someone give you a box of chocolates or a basket of cookies for the holidays? Take them to a party as your contribution. Re-gifting unopened food is A-OK! Just make sure that the giver of that gift won't be in attendance.
Don't Get Caught Empty Handed - Keep a low-cal drink and cute clutch purse in your hands at all times. You'll be less likely to graze if you keep your hands full.
Break Out Your Fancy Pants! - You know how people who like to eat a lot at Thanksgiving dinner will wear their baggiest pants so that they can stuff themselves and still be comfy? Well, it can work both ways. Wear party clothes that are on the form-fitting side or simply ones that make you feel great about how you look. You'll be less likely to shamelessly shovel food down your gullet that way.
Don't Deprive Yourself - Treat yourself to a taste of what you're craving. You'll be less likely to overeat if you allow yourself to indulge in at least some of those seasonal holiday treats. Holiday time is a good time to splurge a little...
What to Eat: Before You Dip
Just because you eat it on a celery stick doesn't make it healthy. Many dips are oily, sugary, and high in sodium, which is why two tablespoons should be your portion limit.
What to Dip - Hummus (54 calories, 2.6g fat, 0.3g saturated fat) Salsa (9 calories, 0.1g fat, 0g saturated fat)
What to Skip - Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese (70 calories, 6g fat, 4g saturated fat) Spinach (78 calories, 7.6g fat, 2g saturated fat)
Your Best Choice? - Salsa! Tomatoes are a low-calorie source of vitamins A and C and lycopene, which protects the heart.
What to Eat: The Best Finger Foods
Bite-size poppers can be dicey, because the calories can add up quickly. Select three items as your main course, but get your fill early on.
3 California Sushi Rolls = 125 calories, 2g fat, 0.5g saturated fat
Mini Burgers (1 burger) = 111 calories, 5g fat, 1.8g saturated fat
Shrimp Cocktail = 83 calories, 0.8g fat, 0.2g saturated fat
Chicken Skewers = 94 calories, 2g fat, 0.6g saturated fat
Your Best Choice? - Shrimp is the leanest, but each item listed here has some nutritional value.
What to Sip: The Best Holiday Cocktails
It is a cocktail party -- you expect to see some neon-tinged fizz. Unfortunately, these trendy drinks are often chock-full of sugar. So, choose wisely...
What to Sip - Sangria (4 ounces) = 82 calories, Mojito (one drink) = 135 calories, Champagne with Chambord (4 ounces champagne, 1 ounce Chambord) = 159 calories, Lemon Drop (one drink) = 237 calories
What to Skip - Eggnog (6 ounces) = 257 calories, 14 g F, Hot Toddies w/ whip (6 ounces) = 300 calories, Specialty Martinis (5 ounces) = 750 calories
Your Best Choice? Well, Grey Goose and water is a popular favorite of some of my more 'seasoned-drinker-friends' trying to hydrate and keep the calories at a minimum. But, if the taste of straight Vodka isn't appealing - add a splash of OJ or Cran... or opt for a diet soda and call it a day.
