Holiday Indulgences

With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I would be nice to pass along some advice for all those holiday parties you'll probably be attending.

Living a healthy lifestyle, I am commonly sought out for advice about how/what to eat. Here are some of my tips for you guys. While I don't eat junk food, I do like to indulge, so here are the guidelines I live by.

1. Just because the food is there doesn't mean you have to eat it.

2. Choose your foods wisely. 

• If you wind up at an unexpected event keep in mind what you've eaten for the day, and eat accordingly. If you you've already eaten a lot for before getting to the party, scale back and be conservative about what you eat.
• If you have an event planned ahead of time and you know there will be some great eats and perhaps a few adult beverages, plan your daily meals accordingly so you can indulge a little bit. 

3. Criteria for indulging: Measurements on the fly

• A full meal by definition should consist of three portions, no larger than your fist (when closed). This meal should include one of each of the following: protein (usually double fist-size), vegetables, complex carbohydrates/starches.
• Side note: Protein will keep you satisfied for longer, and you won't need to seek out as many unhealthy options.
• If you are going for the sweets eat in moderation. You don't need a full "serving" of Grandma's trifle. A simple bite or two (thumb if using chart below)  of 2-3 items served will do just fine.
• Don't forget your liquid calories: beer, wine, spiked eggnog and other mixed beverages can really add up quickly. So don't forget to take these into consideration when you are thinking about "budgeting" for your "indulgences."

Below is a great little reference sheet to keep in mind this holiday season.