When the holidays arrive, the temptation hits. Your mom's famous apple pie, your uncle's family meatballs. Cakes, cookies, rich entrees and fatty side dishes adorn the holiday buffet tables. It can be a healthy eater's nightmare. But if you prepare yourself with the right tips and tools before you go to a holiday party, you may find that saying "no" to another bite of cheesecake is even easier than you thought. Don't become derailed during the holiday season; keep your resolve up and your body healthy.
Step 1
Limit yourself to three bites of any dish that you're desperate for. In this way you get the taste and satisfaction of eating something rich and delicious without all of the calories. When eating rich foods, slow down. Savor every bite for better satisfaction and to allow the feeling of satiation to travel to your brain.
Step 2
Eat at home before you go to a holiday party or to a family event. Choosing a healthy meal of fish and grilled vegetables can help fill you up so you aren't tempted by less healthy fare at a party. Choose fiber-rich foods that will keep you full so that your resolve doesn't threaten to buckle after an hour or two.
Step 3
Choose water, flavored water, apple cider or diet soda at any holiday event, recommends the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Unfortunately, many holiday gatherings are centered around alcohol, which is usually high in calories. If you must have a drink, limit yourself to one per hour and drink a glass of water in between to cut your caloric and alcoholic intake over the course of the night.
Step 4
Bring your own food to the party in the way of an offering to the hostess. Ask her ahead of time if you can bring an appetizer or dessert, and then choose a healthy recipe such as bruschetta crustinis. This way you'll ensure that there is at least one healthy food available for you to enjoy while at the party, and you can still mix and mingle with the rest of the guests.
Step 5
Center your holiday party around something other than food and drink, suggests UCLA. Although it's more traditional to throw a big party or sit down to lavish family meal, try going ice skating instead. You'll stay active and reduce the need to indulge in unhealthy foods. Other activities could include sledding, seeing a hockey game or visiting a nearby city's holiday display.
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