How to Survive Holiday Parties on a Calorie Budget!

By:
Kathleen Fitzgerald
Liz Neporent
The most fattening days of the year are the ones sandwiched between Thanksgiving and New Year's. A handful of Christmas tree-shaped cookies here, a couple of missed workuts there, and before the last chorus of "Auld Lang Syne" has been sung, your scale registers a few extra pounds.

Where does this holiday heft come from? Those additional calories can sneak up on you even if you're trying to "behave." But believe it or not, it is possible to navigate through the holiday season and remain within your calorie budget. Below, our top tips for doing just that:

Don't let your fingers do the walking: By avoiding anything that doesn't require a knife, fork and spoon to eat, you eliminate high fat, high calorie choices like pigs in a blanket and cheese puffs. Many of the appetizers that circulate at holiday parties go for upwards of 300 calories a pop. And who can eat just one? Two notable exceptions: raw veggies and shrimp.

Be a buffet slayer: Cruise buffet tables and survey the offerings before going in for the kill. Once it's on your plate you'll feel obligated to eat it. And the better stuff may be down at the end, tempting you to come back for seconds because your plate is already full. Be last on line; the fattening stuff will be gone. Choose foods that are high in water content and fiber like veggie and fruit dishes, clear soups and non-oily salads. Try everything, but limit quantities.

Be a thoughtful eater: Don't just blindly gobble up nuts and chips. Stop. Think. Is what you're putting in your mouth worth an extra workout? If you really want to nibble on some party mix, put it on a plate so you're conscious about how much your ''nibbling'' adds up. Wait at least 20 minutes before you go back for seconds; that's how long it takes your stomach to signal your brain that it's full. Even if you don't keep an exercise and food diary at any other time during the year, keep one during the holiday season. It will keep you honest and help you monitor your excesses and successes.

Be careful how you quench your thirst: Most alcoholic drinks deliver over 100 calories an ounce -- and believe us when we tell you they are not exactly high in fiber. In addition, try to avoid those drinks that contain milk, cream or fruit juice. Many are filled with sugar (empty calories) and fat (extra calories). Try wine spritzers or alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water, diet soda or flavored seltzer to cut your consumption.

Make working out a priority: Yes, it's harder to work in a workout when you toss traveling, shopping, gift wrapping, baking and a whole host of other holiday-related activities into the mix. That's why it's so important to commit to fitness. Besides counteracting extra holiday calories, exercise reduces stress and gives you more energy. Sure, you may have to get creative about slipping your workout in, but knowing it will help you get through the holidays without gaining weight should be a big motivator.

Live by the 90-10 rule: After all, the holidays are about having fun and celebrating life. While they shouldn't totally focus on eating and drinking, you may feel left out if you don't get a taste of some of those once-a-year treats. Keep this thought in mind: do everything right 90 percent of the time and allow yourself to let loose and ''cheat'' the other 10 percent of the time. You'll enjoy the festivities without carrying them around on your waistline the rest of the year.

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