How to Handle Holiday Parties
Holiday parties are a special time each year, but with the festivities comes anxiety over food choices. We have some strategies to help you enjoy the event and feel confident before, during and after! Most importantly, we want you to recognize YOU are in the driver’s seat! Use that little mantra as needed and check in with your 131 club members for team support. You got this!
Get your sleep
- It sounds so simple but research shows that sleep deprivation increases hunger the next day and makes us crave more processed carbs. We know those foods are generally plentiful at holiday parties. By making sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before a party, you’ll be better equipped to make good choices without battling sleepy cravings.
Avoid going to the party hungry
- In other words, don’t “save your calories” for the event. When you’re hungry (or to the point of hangry), you’re more likely to eat out of stress and fill the plate with more than you actually need. Stick to your regular daily routine and eat nourishing foods the day of the event.
- Some people choose to eat before an event and stick to a cocktail or just conversation during the party.
- If you know you’ll want to eat at the party, avoid eating right before going so you don’t overeat and feel full during the event.
Opt for healthy first
- Research shows people consume the most food during the first buffet trip, so fill that plate with the healthier options.
- After you’ve had a healthy amount of food and feel satisfied, grab a mint or gum to freshen your mouth and reduce more mindless eating/munching.
- Tip: opt for xylitol based mint/gum.
Go for fats over sugar
- We know sugar triggers our brain for wanting more and can carry over to more cravings the next day. If possible, put good fats on your plate and minimize the sugary foods. If you’re bringing food, bring a dish loaded with good fats and low in sugar!
Take your time
- Enjoy the food by taking your time to eat or drink! Don’t gobble it down and go for seconds quickly. When we take smaller bites or sips, our brain gets the message that we’re eating, but since it takes longer to consume the food/drinks, it thinks we’ve had more than we have, providing our body time to digest.
- Enjoy the conversations and slow your eating/drinking pace.
Get right back to a normal routine the next day
- No need to overthink the event or waste time thinking of food or drinks you consumed in the past. If you feel like you conquered the event, great! If you feel like it conquered you, let it go. Perhaps tune in to one of Dr. Mcayla’s lessons and jump right back into what makes you feel empowered mentally and physically. Fill the next day with healthy foods, some activity and self-love!
