Exercise some simple strategies to survive holiday parties

If your holiday season is full of parties and social occasions with lots of sweets, treats, and goodies, keep these ideas handy for easy reference. Last time, I offered some healthful tips for hosting a party. Here are some tips if you are attending a party or special occasion.

1. Never go to a party hungry. Plan your meals wisely for the day and eat a small snack (e.g., an apple) and have a glass of water before going to the party.

Don’t leave yourself the excuse “I’ve starved all day!”

2. Go to a party to enjoy the people more than the foods. Talk more and eat less. Make it a point to talk with at least five persons individually. Talk … Talk … Talk.

3. Come to the party with your favorite low-fat snack plate. Your host/hostess will appreciate the gesture and you will be sure to have something healthy to eat.

4. Minimize your food contact. Stand away from a food table to talk, the farther away the better.

And always have something to drink in your hand (club soda, water, etc). It keeps at least one hand from reaching for more food.

5. At a buffet, look at the whole table and decide what you want. Have a mindset. Fill your plate one time then sit at a distance and enjoy.

6. Try to serve yourself, and choose a smaller plate. It will look like you have more food and will help you choose smarter portion sizes.

7. Plan responses to insistent hosts and hostesses.

For example, “No thank you. I’ve had enough.” or “Everything has been delicious, but I can’t eat another bite.” Then politely ask for a glass of water.

8. Remind yourself that eating and overeating do not say “I like you,” and refusing food does not mean rejection. Praise the host or hostess for the good food and evening.

9. Anticipate eating situations and mentally rehearse how you will take control of them. Take a before-party walk. It will do wonders for you mentally and physically.

10. And finally, learn to relax.

It’s OK to enjoy the holiday foods. If you overeat, go for a brisk walk as soon as possible. Exercise is the best remedy for overeating and for reducing stress levels. 

Turn these tips into habits and you’ll breeze through the holiday parties while keeping unwanted weight gain in check.

Enjoying the holidays and maintaining a level of fitness don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Combining a modified exercise program with some positive holiday eating strategies will help you successfully manage this special time of year. Happy Holidays!

Julie Hodges graduated from Cornell University and has a master’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in sports psychology from the University of Maryland. She is a former competitive gymnast and is ACSM Health & Fitness Instructor® certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. Julie and her family live in Anacortes. E-mail her with comments and questions at .