To prevent overheating, make sure you eat something filling before going to a party so you don’t arrive on an empty stomach. Sharma suggests a slice of whole-grain toast with almond or peanut butter.
If you have a special dietary restriction or a health condition that prohibits you from eating certain foods, let the host of your party know ahead of time. Generally, they will accommodate you because they want you to have a good time. If not, you ate that toast ahead of time, right?
Holidays can be a stressful time, which can result in eating more food. Instead, try to deal with stress by going for a walk each day or do something that helps manage your stress like yoga or meditation.
The most important thing, Sharma stresses, is to eat what you want in moderation. She advises that if you have a craving, you should fulfill it because the craving only gets worse.
“Denying ourselves food groups never works,” said Sharma, who is also a faculty member in the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at the School of Public Health. “Food is not the enemy – it’s such an important part of who we are and our social lives. It’s portioning that’s the big trick.”
If you remember to eat in moderation, then you can enjoy anything from an appetizer to your favorite holiday dessert, guilt-free.
