1- Do NOT go in Hungry –

Eat balanced meals prior to going.  You will feel more level headed and make better choices. So many people feel like they want to save ALL their calories for the event but that is a disaster waiting to happen.  You will go hangry and primed to over eat and end leave feeling disappointed and stuffed.  

2. SCOPE OUT the Fixin’s First! –

See what is there and what you want to enjoy. Prioritize your favorites and grab that dessert first just in case it is gone before you are ready for it.  (no, don’t eat it first but you’ve got it close by your side to enjoy!  

3. PRIORITIZE Protein & Veggies-

Fill your plate with lean proteins (pepperoni and salami are not lean, lol) and your favorite veggies.  

4. Capture your favorite Carbs and let the rest go!  

Love those cheesy hashbrowns but could take or leave pretzels. Then walk away from the bowl and let it go.  Do not waste that precious tummy real estate on things you don’t love. Also…Don’t waste those carbs or calories on soda or juice.  Drink water and have more flexibility for the fun stuff!

5. Set a Limit on Alcohol BEFORE going to the Gathering –

“Well that escalated quickly!” 3 drinks in at 6pm…..Ever feel like that. Decide if and how much you will enjoy prior to going. Practice the Rule – 1 drink + 1 water – 1 drink + 1 water. You will leave feeling proud of yourself and your choices and not feel like a garbage can in the am! 

6. Wait 10 Minutes before you Swing back for Seconds –

After you have enjoyed your first plates of Proteins, veggies, yummy carbs AND dessert. Give it 10 minutes. Walk away from the food. Enjoy some conversation and then evaluate in 10 minutes if you are still hungry.  If so head back for more with ABSOLUTELY NO SHAME!  You are listening to your body and making good choices

7-Most of ALL, ENJOY THE COMPANY –

Remember gatherings are about relationships and love not about the food.  Focus on good conversations and being present and the food will just be “icing on the cake”  Ha ha ha! 🙂