A packed social calendar means
If you’ll be noshing on appetizers, After Party Eats lots of dress-up and glass clink- opt for something lighter but still Make it easy to eat smart when you ing, but as anyone trying to stick to filling, like: stumble home hungry. To keep healthy eating habits knows, it also from accidentally plowing through means lots of opportunities to overa box of cereal or bag of chips, • Broth-based veggie soup indulge. No need to sit home sipping pre-portion out items that come • Sliced veggies with hummus green juice, though. These tips will in large containers and store in an • A few rolled up slices of turkey help you navigate the scene this easy-to-reach place. You can even holiday season with feel-good, lookleave a snack on the counter so you good confidence. Undecided? Stash a some jerky, have something healthy waiting nuts, or dry roasted edamame in when you get in. Just make sure to Before You Go your purse so at least you have eat away from the fridge to avoid abDecide ahead of time whether to options. sent-minded munching. eat a meal before or afterwards—or rely on whatever might be avail- During the Party If convenience store snacks are able there (“light refreshments” for Scope out the snack selection. If your downfall, keep a list on your dinner, anyone?). Either way, don’t there’s a buffet, see what’s available phone of some healthier choices. show up starving—hunger makes before grabbing a plate. Fill half Try yogurt, nuts, a cheese stick, clear-headed choices tough. Plus, with veggies and the rest with lean fruit, instant oatmeal, or popcorn. it’s hard to relax and have fun when protein and carbs. Go slow with you’re hangry. Also important: you fried appetizers and puff-pastry If your crew likes to hit up the dincould get drunk more quickly on creations. Rather than tasting ev- er after an event, there are tons of an empty stomach. Speaking of, it erything, pick one or two “must-try” great options. Try cereal with milk, helps to decide ahead of time how desserts. eggs, or toast. A cup of soup can also much you plan to drink. be soothing if your throat is sore Instead of stationing yourself near from shouting over the party noise. Eat before you head out, have a pro- the food, walk to another part of the tein-rich, fiber-filled snack like: room to eat. This helps your body Not sure where the evening will take register that you’ve actually con- you? Stash a snack in your purse. A • Greek yogurt with ground flax sumed something and helps you feel few good options: trail mix or a proor chia seeds tein bar. satisfied. • An apple with some nuts, nut butter, or a hard-boiled egg Pace yourself. Alternate alcohol with Above all else, smile and have fun— • Half a PB & J or turkey cheers! water or seltzer. A few smart sips: sandwich on whole wheat • A green smoothie with protein • With ~ 80 calories per glass, powder champagne and prosecco are • A protein bar lower in calories than wine & beer • Try calorie-free club soda as mixer with hard liquor • Try your whiskey on the rocks or neat