The Size-Conscious Socialite’s Guide to the Holiday Season

Guest Post By: Julia Donnelly

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes a slew of ugly sweater parties, santa-themed soirees, and family get-togethers. With a packed social calendar this holiday season, I know that a multitude of high-calorie festive foods and drink choices are in my future. As much as love drinking like a fish and eating like there’s no tomorrow during the holidays, I also love having the ability to button my jeans without performing the infamous pants dance. To avoid stealing Santa’s silhouette this December, I’ve come up with seven strategies to help you and I stay skinny this holiday season without feeling deprived.

1. Avoid Alcohol.

HAHAHAHA. Who am I kidding? Making it through the holiday season without booze is like asking for a Christmas miracle. So rather than making impossible promises to cut off the cocktails altogether, try modifying your drink selections. Instead of overindulging in peppermint martinis and Irish coffees like last year, stick to the basics. Opt for clear liquors like vodka or Bacardi mixed with soda water as a calorie-free mixer instead of juice and soda. These drinks will not only eliminate the post cocktail bloat, but will also only amount to half the calories of sugary. exotic drinks. While local beers and lagers have exceptional flavors, light beer selections have much fewer calories, so stick to these. Make sure to watch out for creamy drinks made with whole milk, cream-based liqueurs, or coconut milk. Lastly, offer to be the designated driver here and there so you have an excuse when your friends coax you to drink. Your New Year’s mini dress will thank you later!

2. Always Arrive Half Full. There is a rule of thumb among dieters that you should never go to the grocery store hungry because you will be tempted to buy tons of extra junk food.  Apply this same principle to the holiday social scene, and avoid attending any festivities on an empty stomach so you are not seduced by the sugary sweets and stupendous spreads. Before heading out to a holiday party, have a snack that is rich in protein, to help curb your appetite.

3. Avoid Sitting Next To The Buffet.
   Distancing yourself from the food tables is a simple solution to prevent you from eating too much. If you have to walk across the party for that extra piece of cake, you will be much less likely to go back for it than if it’s on the table next to you.

4. Practice Moderation. You don’t need to completely deprive yourself of your favorite holiday treats as long as you enjoy them in moderation. Treat yourself to a little indulgence every once in a while but when you indulge, go for quality over quantity. Pass on anything that doesn’t hurt to pass up and sample very small portions of the foods that you absolutely love. Savor your treats by eating them slowly and the taste will go a long way.

5. Choose Pampering Over Pigging Out.
   The stress of the holiday season can often lead many of us running into the arms of our favorite comfort foods. When additional tasks and to-dos seem to push you over the edge, avoid pigging out on fatty foods and pamper yourself instead. Hit the spa for a Mani/Pedi with the girls or draw yourself a hot bath. Engaging in such activities will make you much more relaxed and less dependent on food to manage your stress.

6. Drink Water. Salty foods and forced air heat tend to dry you out. Keep your body properly hydrated this holiday season by drinking water instead of soda selections that are loaded with calories. Before divulging in a holiday spread, drink two glasses of water. Hydrating your cells before will not only flush your system but will also allow you to eat less.

7. Make time to exercise. Sorry guys, but there’s no escaping this one. I know the holiday’s can be hectic and extra time seems non-existent, but if you want to stay skinny you cannot fall off the workout wagon. After a long day of Christmas shopping the last thing you’ll want to do is hit the treadmill when the rest of the family is sitting down to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” To avoid skipping workouts, hit the gym first thing in the morning. Working out early will both raise your energy level and lower your stress level for the day. You will also feel less guilty about that extra piece of pie or buttered roll at dinner, when you know your morning workout has earned you a few extra calories.  

Staying skinny during the holiday season takes focus, willpower and smart decision-making. This winter remember that when you reach for that extra helping of chocolate cake, you will also need to reach for a larger pant size at Nordstrom in January. However if you stick to the seven strategies provided, you can safely navigate the holidays while maintaining a healthy weight.