Cara Cunningham, MINDI, Community Dietitian
The start of December brings the Christmas party season, time to let your hair down and have some fun. But be warned, these shindigs can be a minefield for anyone watching their weight, to make sure you are not pounds heavier by the time Christmas day arrives, here are some handy hints:
Never go to a party with an empty stomach, will power is never improved with hunger! Have a light snack or meal, preferably choose something high in fibre so that it will be slowly released. This will keep you feeling fuller and should make the ‘nibbles’ table seem less appealing.
At 240 calories, there is a requirement for mince-pie eating management. In general a good rule of thumb is stay away from party food that is pastry covered or deep fried.
Allow yourself only one visit to the nibbles table – take what you can hold in the palm of your hand and then walk away (never to return ). By doing this you will avoid mindless grazing, done because you are bored rather than because you are hungry
Alcohol is absolutely packed with calories, a few tips would be to add fizzy water to wine to make a lower calorie spritzer; alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water so your head the next morning will thank you also. Choose wine or ‘light’ style beers rather than cocktails or creamy tipples like Baileys.
Dance like you are a member of ABBA. There is nothing like an 80s song to make you move without realising this is exercise! While you are boogieing around the place you are actually burning off that mince pie, so as S-club 7 put so eloquently: “don’t stop moving…”
With a bit of thought you will survive the party season, all ready for Santa’s arrival and all the excess that brings!
For more information or for more information on diet and nutrition, contact The Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service, HSE Dublin-Mid Leinster on (044 ) 9395518 or email [email protected].
