Holidays are a blessing in so many ways, so it is important not to major on the minors and get caught up in the dread of what to eat at family gatherings. This not only puts stress on yourself, but can also make it less enjoyable for those around you. Even if you dont verbally say something to them, they can pick it up in your demeanor. So, if you go prepared mentally you will be empowered and be able to enjoy the gathering without 'inner' battles. Enjoy your day friends

Here are some tips I have gathered.

Munch
Eat a light snack before going to holiday parties. It is not a good idea to arrive at a party famished. Not only are you more likely to overeat, but you are also less likely to resist the temptation of eating the higher carb foods and sweets.


Don't Give in to Pressure
Is Aunt Edna trying to guilt you into taking a helping of her famed sweet potato pie? Don't give in. Tell her you couldn't possibly eat another bite of anything, but that you'd love to take some home for later. This way you get to keep your steely resolve, and placate your relative at the same time. What you do with the pie once you get home is entirely up to you. My suggestion: freeze it and save it for a special occasion.

Watch the Finger Foods
Mindless munching can add up to disaster even before the main course is served. A handful of salted nuts can pack on hundreds of calories. The same goes for creamy dips, cheese cubes and many prepared hors d'oeuvres. If you want to nibble, go for low-carb options like veggies or cheese cubes. Not only are these choices more healthy, they're also more filling.

Watch Portion Sizes
Small portions can look pitiful on giant dinner plates, so create the illusion of eating more by choosing a smaller plate at buffets and parties. A smaller plate will make your portions look bigger and you'll feel more satisfied. Also, smaller servings will give you the opportunity to try more things without feeling stuffed.

Make New Traditions
Food doesn't have to be the center of holiday gatherings. Instead of meeting up with friends and family over dinner or dessert, plan a shopping outing or a spring hike in the woods. Take your kids biking or roller-skating and invite your friends and their children along. Also, that big dinner you have in the evening, will be less of a concern if you've spent the afternoon involved in calorie-burning activities, like hiking or skating.

Indulge Yourself
Denying yourself your favorite foods right now will only make you depressed and vulnerable to sudden late-night pig-outs, plus it will also make you want that desired thing that much more. In these instances resistance is futile, so just give in. Eating one serving of a gooey dessert or rich casserole isn't bad for you as long as you do it in moderation, keep your portion size small and don't go back for seconds. Indulgence on special occasions won't put on the pounds--making it a habit will.

B.Y.O.F. (Bring Your Own Food)
If you're bringing a dish to a party, the American Dietetic Association recommends that you make it a healthy one. This is a way to ensure that there's at least one "safe" item you can munch on.

Shift Your Focus
Let food be secondary to interacting with friends and family. Zero in on people you want to talk to--not the buffet table--at parties. The goal is to spend more time interacting with them and less time loading your plate. "Remember that the purpose of the holidays is being with people," says Quagliani. "Conversation is calorie-free."

Love and Laughter,
Dawn

Thanks for the wonderful tips and the format you put them in. I am going to print them out and put them on my refrigerator.

Fluffy

Thanks, Dawn! These are great tips.

Those are excellent tips for any family gathering - not just easter. Thanks.