Healthy Holiday Party Survival Guide ♥

So the holidays are here again! read my article in Parade magazine and Sverve  This article  is on holiday fitness and a tasty healthy party menu for the holidays! 

First the party planning for a tasty but healthy menu you won't have to feel guilty about! Why not entertain buffet style using appetizers they are much less in calories and you can eat a variety and sample more rather than loading up on a big dinner. That way guests can pick and choose as to what they want to nibble on throughout the party! ♥

First start off with my Kicken' Cranberry Punch  sure to be a crowd favorite!

Then try my Ultimate Party Meatballs  

Try my Skinny Holiday Shrimp Cocktail Dip 

 Knorr Baked Skinny Spinach  Artichoke Dip 

Holiday Pinecone Cheese Ball 

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients ♥

1/3 cup light Mayonnaise

3 tablespoons Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 can (6-1/2 oz.) crabmeat or 1 cup frozen crabmeat, thawed

18 medium mushrooms, stems removed

Directions ♥

1. Preheat oven to 400°. 

2. In small bowl, blend Mayonnaise, bread crumbs, cheese and garlic; fold in crabmeat. Evenly spoon mixture into mushroom caps. 

3. On baking sheet, arrange mushroom caps. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.

Now here are some fitness tips so that you don't overdo  and splurge from those holiday parties you will be going to.

Socialize! Use holiday parties as an opportunity to socialize with your friends. Keep walking around and don’t stop for too long – and certainly don’t stop next to the chips and dips, or buffet table! Walking does count as exercise, so the more you move, the better.

Dance! Let loose and dance off any extra party calories. The added bonus is that the more time you spend dancing, the less time you will spend eating – and you get to hang out and have fun with your friends while you do it!

Maintain your routine. Don’t skip your workouts just because you’re on vacation. The best thing you can do is try to keep your exercise routine intact. I know as well as anyone how easy it is to forget healthy eating habits during the holidays, but if you can at least keep your workouts going, it will help prevent holiday weight gain.

Watch your drinks. Try to avoid drinking too many sugary drinks. It’s amazing how many calories can be hiding in a simple holiday punch, with or without alcohol. Staying hydrated with water will help.

Exercise! If time is tight, try to do a quick 10-minute workout routine in the morning, then repeat it right before you go to bed. Simple, interval-style exercises will help burn some calories and keep you toned up over the holidays.

Pre-Holiday Meal Make sure you eat a little bit of protein (promotes a feeling of fullness) and carbohydrate (energy foods) to take the edge off before leaving the house. You'll not eat as much if you're already feeling slightly full.

Water helps you to feel full and can help the body burn more calories by increasing your metabolic rate. Some studies have shown that the body can (and often does) confuse hunger with thirst. Instead of starting with eating first (hunger), give your body 1-2 glasses of cold water.

Alcohol and Sodas If possible, decrease or eliminate all consumption of alcoholic beverages. Before drinking any alcoholic (or sugary) beverages, both which have empty calories and are not good for your body, drink a glass of cold water first. Cold water will give you a feeling of fullness, so that you're not inclined to drink as quickly (or at all). 

Nibbling and Snacks When eating snacks during a party, distance yourself from the tables where all the food is. By staying close to the food, you're more inclined to just reach out and eat without thinking too much about what you're putting in your body.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables Gravitate towards the fruits and vegetable options while eating starchy carbs, sugary and fattening desserts in limited portions. Remember that vegetables, especially broccoli, spinach and some fruits are rich in fiber, which will give you a feeling of fullness. You can add a small side of ranch dressing and drizzle some on your vegetables, instead of dunking your vegetables into your dressing. You'll save on calories and extra fat.

So there you have it a few tips for the holiday survival guide! Happy Holiday , Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone stay safe, have fun, and most of all eat healthy! ♥