the skinny gourmet

'broccoli-fromage quiche'

Welcome Back!  We are rapidly approaching the Thanksgiving Holiday and what has become a marathon race to Christmas Eve and New Years Day.  Every year it seems we are invited to more parties, mixers and family gatherings then the previous season.  For us there are no less than six gatherings that are a must each year.  Over indulging just seems to be a part of the festivities but it certainly doesn’t have to be.  Of course, willpower is the most important factor in the equation.  However, with a little homework on your own you can help give yourself the tools you need to stop the never-ending gravy train during the holidays:’

Know Before You Go: Chances are you go every year to at least one or two of the parties you are invited to this year.  So you may already have an idea of what the Host(s) usually serve.  Make a plan of what you will and won’t do at the event.  Make a pact with yourself that you will have only one dessert item.  Load up on raw veggies with no dip and steer away from the sugar and cream based items.

Limit the Libations:  Alcohol will sabotage you every time.  Even thought there is no room for booze on The Skinny Gourmet Plan it’s fine to indulge in a small glass of wine at Christmas Eve or champagne to toast in the New Year.  But, beware these problems that can crop up while you are drinking:  1.  Beware the never-ending glass – you say you’ll have just one glass, and you do, but the cater waiter freshens your glass three times in just over an hour.  That’s four glasses of wine.  2.  Alcohol impairs your judgement – we all know that but everyone tends to over eat while drinking.  Beware that pitfall.

Eat Hearty Before You Party: There is nothing wrong with filling up with hearty foods at home if you absolutely know that the event you are going to is crammed with things that are in no way good for you.  For example, if you are going to a cheesecake sampling Christmas Eve Party then bulk up on protein and fiber rich foods at home – this will keep you fuller longer thus leaving little room for Gingerbread Cheese Cake with Fried Cinnamon Ice Cream.

When All Else Fails:  When you are given a last-minute invite, the party is just unavoidable or it’s rude to not take what the hosts serves follow the 9 o’clock rule:   Go ahead and take what the host(s) dish out – then look down at your plate – think of it as a clock.  SLOWLY work your way from the 12 o’clock position to the 6 o’clock position.  Then, even slower, eat from 6 o’clock to 9 o’clock then STOP.   Don’t get another plate – compliment the host and resist the urge. 

All of these tips work really well if you can stick with it.  The most important thing is to not feel guilty when you do go a little overboard.  Don’t let a 3 hour cocktail party ruin three months of hard work.  Don’t even tell yourself, “I’ll do better tomorrow”  Tell yourself, “I will do better RIGHT NOW”.   You can make it through the season by just focusing on what is best for you.   You can do it!

Here is tomorrows menu plan: