As the calendar books up with soirées and shindigs, you may see visions of pigs in a blanket, spiked eggnog, and cookies. Here I share tricks to indulge wisely and spare the scale.
WHAT TO EAT
WEEK BEFORE: If you're going to wear something formfitting for the festivities, avoid foods that make you bloated. Top offenders: artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, salty foods, sugar, carbs, dairy and, ironically, many of the veggies gobbled up with good intentions. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and kale are all gas-inducing. And those giant chopped lunch salads can be just as bloating. Cut the lettuce amount in half. What should you have? Lean proteins like salmon, potassium-rich foods like avocado, bananas, and asparagus, which prevent water retention; digestion-aiding fennel and chia; drink lots of water to help flush your system.
PRE-PARTY: If you go to a party hungry, you're more likely to impulsively grab unhealthy eats. Have a meal that’s good for you before, even if you're leaving directly from work. Order a second meal at lunch, like a salad with shrimp, and keep it in the fridge. Or bring low-calorie snacks with protein and fiber that help stabilize blood sugar.
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