How to Navigate the Holiday Buffet Table
I’m always of the belief that we should take any and all
occasions to celebrate life; unfortunately, some of us are
partying a little bit too hard when it comes to the eating
and drinking part of having a great time. The great news is
party season doesn’t have to put a damper on your diet even
when you have to navigate all those drinks and the dreaded
buffet table laden with goodies.
I’m always telling patients that their number one defence
against overeating at parties is to make sure to never go
too hungry.; most people starve the whole day only to end
up overeating at the end of the day, just because it’s a
party! Have a great breakfast that morning and remember to
have protein with your breakfast and lunch because you will
feel fuller longer; at your usual dinner time, have a
nutritious protein shake which provides all nutrients your
body needs, therefore it won’t crave any other later on.
This way you’re not walking into buffet land like someone
who has been on starvation island. That cheesy, drippy
mushroom puff doesn’t look as good when your stomach isn’t
rumbling.
Next, remember that if you graze down the buffet line
everything still counts. If eating standing up or in little
bites didn’t count then all of us would throw out our
kitchen tables and eat bite sized cupcakes standing up. Of
course, what you choose to eat makes a big difference.
Let me help you make some great choices.
Don’t Be a Dip About Dip. If it is a choice between hummus
and spinach-artichoke dip, choose heart-healthy, high-fibber
hummus rather than the latter which is loaded down with
cheese and mayo. Dipping with crudités rather than crackers
is a nice way to up your veggie quotient as well, and it
will also help fill you up.
Yes, I’m Calling You Shrimp. The shrimp cocktail gets high
marks, as does the smoked salmon. Instead of the high sugar
cocktail sauce try dipping into some spicy salsa or even
going without the dip. If there is some guacamole on hand,
try a bit as a nice dip or even mix it with a tiny bit of
salsa for some zip.
No Piggy. Another no-no is your standard party fare of
pigs-in-a-blanket. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like
to eat anything that has the word pigs in it. You can try a
bacon wrapped scallop because of the relatively small amount
of bacon provides loads of flavour, while the scallop is a
high quality protein source that also contains omega three
fats.
Aunt Margret’s Famous Meatballs. No offense to your
relatives, but those meatballs are probably loaded with
bread and eggs. Eat them in small doses. Tell Aunt Jenny
they’re delicious and you’ve had five of them already. It’s
a small white lie that won’t get you in trouble unless she’s
keeping count.
Mini Quiche. There is nothing really mini about this food
and I’d say to skip it. Plus, who even knows what the heck
is in these tiny pies? My rule is if I can’t figure out
what’s in it then I’m not eating it.
Not So Nuts. Go nuts for a quick grab food because nuts
have protein, fibber and good fats. However, you can’t graze
on nuts all night long because too much of a good thing
is…too much. Try just eating 10 nuts and don’t lose count
by standing by the nuts and turbo loading them into your
mouth as you talk. Those 10 nuts will fill you up and are a
nice tasty treat.
Step Away. It’s always helpful to step away from the buffet
table. Is there a nice patio area where you can go outside
and talk? Can you go into the den and find some old friends?
Consciously make a decision that you’ve eaten enough and
amuse yourself by talking, dancing, catching up or even
playing DJ. You’re not there to just eat, but to greet old
friends and family…
No matter how much caution I exercise during these parties,
I still feel the need to do a quick detox next day: a
30min. sauna, a water+Isagenix juice fast for 1/2 a day, a
bit extra exercise, etc…
For now, exercise a bit of caution….but Enjoy the
Holidays! they only come once a year…
Once the holidays are over, consider reaching your goals
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