Social functions can be tricky when you’re trying to eat healthy. But as long as you plan ahead and have a few strategies up your sleeve, you can stay right on track. The key is to be proactive and devise a few goals before showing up at the door. Happy holidays!

Top Five Strategies for Special Occasion Survival

1. Offer to bring something healthy
Whether it’s a side dish, appetizer or dessert, bring something that you know is healthy and can take up some room on your plate. It’s always nice when your guests bring something to add to the festivities! Things I like to bring are low-fat spinach dip in a bread bowl with raw veggies, sorbet with fresh fruit or a colorful fruit salad.

2. Have a snack beforehand
Do not show up feeling ravenous! Go feeling somewhat hungry or have a light snack, like an apple or low-fat yogurt, right before you go so that you don’t overindulge in the high-fat, high-calorie options.

3. Make time for exercise
Don’t forget to set aside some time for your physical activity when you know you have a social function that day. This can help to balance out some of the extra calories that you may consume at the event.

4. Eat regularly and balanced
When you know you have a social function that day, be sure to eat clean (every two to three hours) and make healthy choices. Focus on consuming whole grains, low-fat protein sources, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods at other meals and snacks.

5. Portions, portions, portions!
No one is checking to see how much you are eating. Portion control is the key, so take moderate servings, avoid seconds of the high calorie options, fill up half your plate with vegetables, and perhaps take just a bite or two of a dessert.

ANSWERED BY:

Suzanne Farrell, MS, RD and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.