Eating in - two tips to remember

Okay, this was one of my Holiday Fit-Tips but I felt it would be a great tip to implement year round. After attending two parties this past weekend, I realized how easy it was to get carried away snacking on appetizers. Don't feel uncomfortable to ask your host for a plate if there are only napkins available. Use this plate to your advantage. But first, even if you have saved yourself all day for this party, don't. It is just food after all. We are starving ourselves all day just to stuff ourselves at the party. This is not an exception.

The next time you go to a party, get a beverage first and wait half an hour before you dig in. Grab a plate and fill half of it with veggies and the rest with protein and unprocessed things. You can even have dessert. This will help you from feeling guilty the next day. This seg-ways into my fit tip if you are serving dinner.

The tip today is if you are hosting or know someone hosting dinner. Do not serve dinner at the table.

Dinner served at the table is also know as family style. By having the food within an arms reach we are more inclined to help ourselves to seconds and sometimes thirds. These second and third helpings usually come after a very full plated first helping and leads to severally over eating.

That second or third plate will not only make you extremely full but it could take you days or weeks to work off those extra calories. You are not eating healthier to "save" those calories for Christmas dinner you are eating healthier to be healthier! Don't over think it. Food is FOOD.

Give your guests the gift of a great meal but this time set up a buffet line in the kitchen because it will save you the extra calories by not wanting to get up and go back to kitchen for more. You will enjoy what's on your plate, have room for dessert and go home happy and not complain that you wish you'd worn your stretchy pants.

Staying healthy year round.

xoxo
Nicole