Party time. Before the party, snack on some beef jerky, a protein shake or a handful of almonds and sip a cup of green tea. The fat and fiber from the almonds will reduce your appetite. The caffeine from the green tea will help keep you energized and increase mental alertness. If you’re going to a party where healthy options will be limited, plan ahead and bring a healthy dish of your own for all to enjoy.
A great natural appetite suppressant and blood sugar stabilizer is mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water before meals. Once you’re at the party, graze on veggies and guacamole, shrimp with cocktail sauce, chicken skewers or nuts and the healthy dish you brought to the party.
Sweet tooth? Save it for after a balanced meal and opt for some dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa content, strawberries dipped in dark chocolate or berries with heavy cream and cocoa nibs (one of my personal favorites), versus cookies, pies or cakes, which are full of unknown ingredients. If you choose to indulge in a treat, do so without guilt, take a small portion and limit yourself to 3-4 bits and enjoy every bite of it!
Alcohol. I’m all for socializing and enjoying a glass of wine or two. If your goal is to look good and feel your best, remember drinking too many calories from alcohol tends to be stored in the midsection and contributes to excess belly fat, reduced testosterone, and disrupts sleep. Most liquor is made from corn or wheat and is double trouble for those with hidden food allergies. Alcohol is metabolized before food in order to rid it from the body and lowers inhibitions and judgment causing one to indulge in excess eating.
If you’re going to indulge in alcohol, opt for a glass of red wine or cocktails made from fresh ingredients. Beware of drinks such as white Russians or mudslide mixes which are full or sugar and contain up to 500-800 calories per drink. Drink plenty of water between each cocktail to prevent dehydration and it’ll accomplish the social goal of having a glass in your hand while cutting down on the empty booze calories and the hangover!
Be accountable. Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to stay in check, be accountable and aware of what and how much you’re actually eating and identify any emotions you may be experiencing. Those who journal what they eat tend to lose twice as much weight and make much healthier food choices versus those who do not keep a journal.
Remember, it’s what you do consistently on a daily basis that matters most. Practice portion control. Graze, don’t gorge. Say a silent prayer or gratitude and thanksgiving, chew your food thoroughly, set down your fork in between bites, and remember to take your Digestzymes!
Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy holiday!
Paula Owens, M.S., is the bestselling author of The Power of 4 and Fat Loss Revolution. She is a Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Fitness & Fat Loss Expert with over 20 years of experience. More at www.PaulaOwens.com
