Holiday parties are fun social gatherings, but they can also be diet disasters. Here's how to enjoy yourself while sparing yourself hundreds of extra calories.

First and foremost, prepare.  Eat healthy in the hours leading up to the party. Focus on lean protein, whole grains and simply prepared fruits and vegetables to pack your day with nutrients, suggests the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Don't attempt to starve yourself so that you can eat more later. 

Don't forget about the importance of getting enough rest during this very busy time of the year and all year, actually. Adults need an average of seven to nine hours of sleep a night.  Fatigue can lead to lowered physical activity and an increased appetite.

 

For more tips visit the Saint Peter's Better Health Library.  

Laura Vetter, RDN, CDE, CSO, CSP, Outpatient Nutritionist, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, is the author of the #AsktheSPnuritionist blog.  She counsels patients on healthy eating. Reach out to her at nutritionist@saintpetersuh.com to make an appointment.