It is the season for holiday parties.  Between office functions and family get-togethers, many Americans wind up gaining weight this time of year.  However, simple planning strategies for handling holiday food celebrations can limit weight gain and may even promote weight loss during the season.  

The number one mistake most people make is waiting until party time to eat so that they have more calories to spend.  But this backfires because they aren’t armed with the willpower to eat healthy. 

 A better—and proven—approach to handling holiday parties includes the following:

• Eat a healthy, filling breakfast, such as a whole grain hot or cold cereal or eggs with whole wheat toast.
• Schedule at least 30 minutes of exercise into your day, every day to allow for extra calories and maintain a commitment to healthy eating.
• Enjoy a protein-packed, filling snack before attending a party.  Try in-shell pistachios, a hard-boiled egg, fresh fruit with peanut butter or half of a turkey sandwich.
• Aim for seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.  They are packed with vitamins and minerals and the fiber will help keep your appetite at bay.
• Avoid temptation.  Make healthful foods the first things you see at home and at work. Ask co-workers to store tempting treats where you are less likely to see them.
• Avoid second helpings of holiday favorites.  Focus on the wholesome, lower-calorie foods offered, such as turkey and vegetable side dishes. 
• Say “no” politely.  Don’t feel forced to eat something just because it was offered to you or even made for you.  It’s okay to say you’ve had enough, you’d love to take some home for later, or you really appreciate the thought but you just couldn’t eat another bite.

Kelly Plowe, MS, RD

Although she still remains a Boston sports fan, Kelly has changed her east-coast ways, adapting to the California lifestyle.