Party Bites

The holidays are when we get together to indulge and have fun, but the result can be weight gain in the New Year. We don’t want to deprive ourselves of seasonal goodies, but we don’t want to have to go out and buy new jeans, either. At divine.ca, we believe in the happy medium: so get ready to indulge without guilt!

Green Light Foods
Water
We can’t tout the benefits of water too often. This no-calorie beverage will reduce your hunger and your consumption of alcohol. Drink a few glasses of water before drinking or eating anything else at a holiday party or meal.

Veggies
Start all your meals with raw veggies or a salad. This will appease your appetite, keeping you from reaching for higher-fat foods. But do watch your portions of dressings and dips!

Fish and seafood
These are rich in nutrients but low in calories, and a great option for holiday feasts. However, avoid mayonnaise and other heavy sauces.

Yellow Light Foods
Alcohol
Alcohol is high in sugar and calories, particularly spirits like rum and whisky. A glass of wine has about 100 calories while a serving of beer has 150. That may not seem like much, but how many of us stop at one glass? A glass of beer or two, or three glasses of wine, equal an extra 500 calories—about a quarter of your recommended daily intake!

Canapés
These can be loaded with fat and calories. Wait until the meal is served: if your main course is veggies and meat, it will be lighter than all those little bites. If you can’t resist, limit yourself to just two or three. Imagine each as a spoonful of butter or sugar, and you’ll find it easier to resist.

Desserts
Limit your portions of these sugary, high-fat treats. Have the pie, but not the ice cream or whipped cream piled on top. If possible, opt for fruit or sorbets, or fruit tarts that are usually lower in fat.

Red Light Foods
Nothing!
Watching what you eat is not about deprivation, but moderation. Have whatever you like, but in small portions—that way, you’ll never feel deprived, and you’ll be wearing your favourite jeans after that New Year’s bash!

And remember…
Take advantage of those crisp, sunny winter days to get outside and move! It’s all a question of balance. If you overdo it at one meal, go for a brisk walk and burn off those extra calories.

If you’re dining at a friend’s place and know you’ll be tempted then eat lightly during the day. However, don’t sit down to dinner so hungry that you’ll eat without thinking: have a light, protein- rich snack like yogurt before you go.