The One Thing You Must Do Before Your Next Party

Nov 28, 2018

Parties are starting!

With Hanukkah just around the corner and holiday parties getting into full swing, I’m listing for you my favorite party tips to keep the enjoyment up and the guilt down.

Incorporate these ideas and you’ll be the belle of the ball and still fit into your party dress come New Year’s Eve.

I’ll start with the most important one.

If you do nothing else from this list do this:

Snack BEFORE the party

This is my # 1 tip for all parties.

Don’t go hungry.

Those cute passed hors d’oeuvres look good no matter what—but they are certainly going to be calling your name if you’re hungry!

Eat your snack no more than 30 minutes before the party. You can even eat it on the way.

I recommend it be around 150 calories with as much protein as you can fit.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. A protein shake with 10-15 grams of protein would work well

2. A protein bar chosen carefully

Ideally, you’re looking for 150 calories and 15 grams of protein.

I haven’t found that exactly, but get as close as you can.

KIND bars don’t cut it because they don’t have enough protein—protein fills you up.

Luna Protein comes close with 180 calories and 12 grams of protein.

The 150 calorie Think Thin bars are also a good choice with 10 grams of protein. The ones with 20 grams of protein have too many calories (unless you’re a man) but you could eat half of one (know thy self—it can be hard to eat half unless it’s divided ahead of time)

3. A Babybel cheese (70 calories and 5 grams of protein) along with a small apple would be a wonderful snack

4. Or a greek yogurt

plain 2% fage greek yogurt has 140 calories and 20 grams of protein

Learn which snack fills you up the most and make that your secret weapon for party-going.

These 150ish calories will save you hundreds at the party by giving you time to slow down and make conscious choices about your favorite foods vs stuff that’s just not worth it.

A few more party tips:

Make ONE trip to the buffet—whether it’s a dinner or appetizer buffet and . . .

Use a plate—standing at the food display and grazing will add up faster than you realize. Sit down with your favorites and enjoy.

Have champagne instead of wine—the bubbles take up room and save a bit of calories.

Stagger your alcohol—one alcoholic drink, then one water (or sparkling water), then another alcoholic one if you still want it, then more water.

And last but not least:

Focus on the people: Make a game out of it.

If it’s people you know well have a question in mind and ask everyone you see.

For example:

Where’s the next place you want to visit?

What’s the best thing you accomplished this year?

What was your favorite holiday memory?

If it’s people you don’t know yet, decide on a strategy:

It could be getting to know one or 2 people really well

or meeting as many of the guests as possible.

We often park ourselves in front of the food table because we’re bored or uncomfortable. We eat to give us something to do and make us feel better.

But if you show up prepared and with the right attitude, you can have a great time, meet people and save the regret about all those pigs in a blanket.

Happy partying!

The One Thing You Must Do Before Your Next Party

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