Spreading Holiday Cheer... And Not Your Waistline
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Reviewed October 2009
The holiday season is here, with its parties and gatherings. Whether it is a small office Christmas party or an elaborate New Year's Eve celebration, the potpourri of beverages, hors d'oeuvres and desserts can create the opportunity for indulgence and weight gain. However, this does not have to happen. With some preplanning and attention, you can attend the gatherings and still manage your weight. Here are some holiday party pointers:
- Don't arrive at the event starved. Sure you may want to think ahead and plan your day's eating patterns with the party in mind, but don't arrive famished.
- Survey the scene. Check out the food samplings and eat the ones you love and pass on those that don't tempt or interest you. If something ends up on your plate, there is a better chance it will be consumed.
- Pick the perfect plate. At a party, size up the plates and choose the smallest one you can find. This will not only prevent you from piling too much on the dish but it also will make the amount you selected look larger and not skimpy.
- Distance yourself from the table. Standing or sitting farther away from the food will curb the temptation to reach for more. Instead, spend more time socializing away from the table.
- Bring something healthy. If it is a house party, consider preparing a less calorie-filled homemade dish, appetizer or dessert to add to the host's table.
Plus, check out the chart of foods and beverages that may often appear at parties to help you gauge their calorie contribution:
Items are listed according to calories, from lowest to highest
| Item | Calories |
| Sparkling Water (4 oz) | 0 |
| Raw Vegetables (1 cup) | 25 |
| Wine Spritzer (4 oz) | 45 |
| Shrimp Cocktail (4 large shrimp with 2 Tbsp of cocktail sauce) | 58 |
| Fruit (1 medium piece) | 80 |
| Champagne (4 oz) | 85 |
| Cashews (10) | 89 |
| Wine (4 oz) | 90 |
| Chicken Wing (1) | 100 |
| Brownie, homemade (2 inch square) | 112 |
| Dips and Crackers (2 Tbsp of dip and 5 crackers) | 140 |
| Cheese and Spinach puffs (3) | 183 |
| Cheese and Crackers (1 oz cheese and 5 crackers) | 190 |
| Cheesecake (1 slice) | 256 |
| Eggnog (alcoholic; 4 oz) | 335 |
Copyright 2002 Brigham and Women's Hospital
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