A Food Game Plan for Your Next Party
Eating healthy at party time is tough to do. Score one for your health by making super choices at your next gathering!
Plan ahead
Take a walk or attend an exercise class the morning of a party to set you off on the right foot for the day.
Don't kick off the party hungry
Don’t kick off the party hungry. Eat a small, healthy meal or snack before departing for the festivities. A full belly will stop you from overeating.
Take inventory
Check out all the options and choose which foods are worth eating. Make one plate and stick to it.
Don’t go running back
Stick to one plate with the foods you selected when you first arrived at the party. Mingle away from the food table to prevent mindless snacking.
Vegetables first
Crudités are almost always part of a holiday spread. Fill your plate, and stomach, with these first.
Give dips and cheese a time out
Chips and crackers should be eaten in moderation. Choose yogurt and vegetable-based spreads instead, or skip the dips all together. Also stick to one ounce or less of cheese, which is roughly equivalent to the size of a pair of dice.
Pass the protein
Choose lean meat like baked or grilled chicken, turkey or vegetable burgers and skip the fried food options.
Be part of the team
Stick with socializing—it’ll cut down on the time you spend eating.
Draft water as your drink of choice
Choose sparkling, flat or mineral water instead of alcohol to stay hydrated. If you must drink, opt for one glass of wine, champagne or a low-calorie beer.
Practice your game-day mindset
Visualize your healthy plate before your arrival so you are prepared for mindful eating while there.
Make a substitute
If you’re cooking, trade for lower-calorie ingredients with healthy recipe substitutions.
Decide to win
A win for your health is always worth celebrating. Focus on your calorie intake to give yourself a win at your next party—good health.
Adapted from The American Association of Diabetes Educators “Holiday Season Eating Tips.”
*Note: This blog was updated on January 23, 2019 to reflect updated information.
Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist and Program Coordinator Terry is a Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist with more than 30 years of experience working with people with diabetes. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. and received her master’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.. Terry is board-certified in advanced diabetes management and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. She was awarded a fellowship by the American Association of Diabetes Educators in 2012, one of 64 (please change to 75) individuals who have received this honor. She is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association and has held numerous volunteer leadership positions with both organizations. She loves helping those with diabetes successfully self-manage this chronic condition.