Stay On Track At Parties
by Denise Austin |
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Lifestyle
If you have been working to get healthier through exercise and eating well, you may be asking yourself how to stay on track this time of year with all of the holiday parties and gatherings. Well, you're not alone, because I get asked this question a lot! The good news is that with a little preparation and knowing how to navigate your choices, you can stay on track in any situation!
Stay on Track At Parties: Prep Ahead of Time
The easiest way to avoid what often are empty calories at parties (or calorie-laden option) is to preplan your day! I do two things: focus on eating healthy, filling foods throughout the day and getting in a workout.Healthy foods. The key is to eat foods that won't leave you feeling too full or bloated, but will fill you up so you can minimize how much eat, yet still enjoy the offerings! I would start with a satisfying breakfast. Some of my go-to's are oatmeal (make sure and add chia or flax seeds, protein powder, or nuts for some extra nutrients) or scrambled eggs and toast. These hearty breakfast options will fill you up and offer protein, fiber and fat, which will help you feel fuller, longer. For lunch focus on lean proteins like a spinach salad with some tuna in it. Then while you get ready for the party, stay on track by eating a protein-packed snack. Like an apple with a little cheese, a hard boiled egg or some cottage cheese with fruit. I also like to drink plenty of water throughout the day, to help flush out my system and make my skin look plump and healthy! (If you have any drinks at the party, this also will help to keep you hydrated!)
A workout. Get some movement in daily! Almost any workout will make you feel better, whether you do a full cardio routine or some simple stretching - movement is what's key! Try my popular "Give Me 5" workout below. It's only 5-minutes and you can do it anytime, anywhere!
If you like this one, try the other "Give Me 5" workouts on my app!
and
"Give Me 5" - Shoulders - great if you're wearing a sleeveless holiday outfit!
Stay on Track At Parties: Making Healthy Choices
Okay we've talked about how to stay on track before the party, now let's talk about making healthy choices once you are at the party. Here are some rules that I follow:- Always have a glass of water in your hand. It helps to keep you hydrated, cuts down on how many cocktails you have, and makes mindless nibbling a little more difficult.
- Survey the options, then choose what you are really craving. When I really contemplate what I am in the mood for, I end up being more satisfied with the choices I make.
- Choose at least one healthy option. Almost any party will have a crudité plate - make sure you grab some healthy veggies to balance your plate!
- Limit the amount of cocktails you have. Enjoy - but in moderation! And for every alcoholic beverage you have, try to drink 1 glass of water!
- Last but not least - ENJOY YOURSELF!! You are allowed to indulge on occasion!! The most important thing for you to do is wake up the next day and continue living your healthy lifestyle.
Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!
Denise