Holiday Eating Tips from Wellness and You

You want to have fun and feel relaxed in all social gatherings over the holidays. That also means reaching January 1st without an extra 5-7 pounds. It can be done with the following simple strategies:

Stepping Out

• Eat a light meal before holiday cocktail parties- don’t go there hungry

• Make a plan before you go – what would I like to eat when I get there

• Do a quick relaxation exercise to “collect” yourself

• Stand away from the buffet and seek out people you enjoy

• Don’t rely on alcohol to curb your appetite – it intensifies it

• Scan the whole table at a buffet before plating anything

When you entertain - a dinner party menu

Crudités  and bean dip or hummus; raw nuts, pesto stuffed mushrooms

        Vegetable soup

Sliced roasted sweet potatoes

Steamed green beans 

Boneless chicken with marsala sauce and mushrooms

         1 dessert – baked thin sliced pears with cinnamon and raisins 

Cocktail party

Lots of non-alcoholic beverages

Sparkling water, water with sliced lime, hot cider with spices

                  Wine  - red, prosecco, white

Hard Cheese,  grapes, crackers

Stuffed grape leaves

Spinach toasts

Mushroom Walnut Pate

Guacamole with carrots and celery

Sliced peppers, carrots, celery with a yogurt dip