Thursday, November 27, 2008

Holiday Survival Guide - Week 4 - Moving Around a Holiday Party

At this point we have talked about some of the three most important elements of getting through the holiday season; planning, activity and healthy, yummy recipes. This week we are going to discuss how to move around a holiday party setting so as to come out the other side unscathed.

My first point is to plan. Remember in the beginning we talked about what parties were ones that you wouldn't give up. If this is one that is negotiable then maybe not going is the option. I know you might not like that, and your host may be a bit offended but hey, who is most important in all of this? If that is what it takes to make or break your weight loss and fitness goals then I say excuse yourself politely.

If you decided that this is a party that you must attend here are a few tips that you can use.
    1. Make sure that in the weeks and days leading up to the party, you are spot on with your plan. That means no extra bits of chocolate or eating the leftovers on the spoons. It also means getting in your exercise each and everyday. Now is not the time to slack off.

    2. Just as we wouldn't go shopping in a state of starvation, do not send yourself into the lions den without having had a good amount of food before you leave. I mean within 30 minutes grab yourself a can of tuna or other protein, put it on a piece of whole wheat bread and have a piece of fruit. This will set you up so you don't feel like you are starved when you arrive.

    3. Limit your alcohol. Do you really want to be drinking a days worth of calories in one or two beers or a couple of cocktails? If you must drink stay away from the fruity drinks as they pack a wallop of extra calories in the sugar content of the drink mixes. Alternate each glass of alcohol with a glass of water.

    4. Dress the part of success in that you want to go feel slim and trim. Put on a skirt that makes you feel pretty and sexy. You won't want to be busting out of the seams if you are wearing form fitting fashion.

    5. Enjoy the event. The event is not about the food.. The event is about getting together with family and friends. Some of whom we probably haven't seen in several months or maybe even a year. Take pictures of your children or recent vacation, think of the conversations that you want to have with people to help divert the focus away from the food.
By using some or all of these tips above you can participate in holiday parties, feel included in the group and still maintain your weight loss and fitness lifestyle.

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