5 Ways to Eat Better All Throughout the Holidays!

Girls' Life—December 19, 2010

Easy ways to eat your fave holiday foods, and still skip all the junk. Keep reading for more of our best-ever party survival tricks.

1. Snack before the bash
Resist skipping meals before a party. “You’ll be super hungry by the time the food goes around and overdo it,” says Sotiria Everett, registered dietitian at the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Eat a healthy lunch, like a whole-wheat turkey sandwich or some veggie chili. Then, before the party, have some carrot sticks or apple slices.

2. Do a dinner test drive
Before you hit a party, think about what you want. Will you try two apps, maybe something like steak and salad from the buffet and a dessert? Having a plan lets you focus on friends and fam, not food.

3. Beware of the app attack
Watch out for tiny snacks that contain more fat than an entire meal. Nibbles to limit? Creamy dips, anything fried and puff pastries. Instead, try small portions of protein-packed appetizers like cheese, shrimp and nuts.
 
4. Peace sign your plate
Check out the entire buffet before you dig in. Then, divide your plate in three (like a peace sign). Fill veggies, meat and starches (like rice) with one-third each. You’ve got better balance already.

5. Save it for special stuff
Food traditions are a big part of what make the holidays awesome. No need to miss out—or hurt Nana’s feelings by passing on that pie. Snag small portions and skip the ho-hum, everyday options.

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