(Or, how not to blow your diet this holiday season)

The holiday season is upon us and with it, countless opportunities to overeat, over drink and to over indulge in general. I find it quite ironic that this is the time of the year we want to look our best: we’re attending events that involve seeing people we don’t see all year, black tie affairs, family reunions, and the like and yet we are usually so puffy and bloated from overdoing it that we look and feel horrible. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way to survive the cocktail party season, have fun, and not blow your diet!

The best way to get through the cocktail party season and not completely blow your diet is to be prepared. Look through your calendar and be aware of what events you have pending and when. Even if you have three events in one week, that doesn’t mean the week is shot, it just means you’ll have three days where you need to make sure you get a workout in and that you are extra sensitive to what you eat before the party. And, after the party, it’s back to the straight and narrow right away. Don’t let a couple nights of overdoing it ruin the entire week.


Choose your indulgences. That goes for food as well as parties. Why waste calories on something you don’t really like all that much just because it’s there? If you’re going to indulge make it be for something you really love. Enjoy those once-a-year pleasures. Make your calories count! That sentiment goes for parties too. Your time is precious so only go to the events you really want to. I know it’s hard to refuse the company dinner but think of the time, stress and calories you’ll save. If you can’t get out of an event altogether, leave early. Make your presence known then leave quietly when appropriate. You don’t have to close down the party every time.

Once you’re at the party, you can still keep it under control and not totally blow the diet. Don’t just stand around the buffet table eating and drinking, take charge. Volunteer yourself as “activity leader” and lead everyone in a rousing game of charades or start a dance competition. Force yourself to mingle; make it a goal to talk to 20 people or everyone wearing red. Keeping yourself moving and talking will prevent you from consuming too much.

Be helpful anywhere but in the kitchen. It's easy to eat mindlessly when you're surrounded by food preparation. So instead offer to help with cleaning up, setting the table or running errands. Your host will appreciate the help and it will keep you busy and away from the food.

Once you’ve left the party, avoid post-party temptation traps. Toss leftovers and quickly re-gift food presents or pass them along to co-workers, a local shelter or a food bank. Don’t feel guilty; it’s okay to get rid of holiday-food gifts. It’s better in the trash than on your hips.

Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up. This is the cocktail party season; our social calendars are full of overeating and overdrinking opportunities. Chances are you are not going to lose those last 10lbs during this time. But you can stay where you are. Starting January at the same weight as you started November is definitely success. So plan ahead, move a lot and enjoy this holiday season.

Up Next: Getting Back to Exercising after a Long Hiatus