8 Tips To Survive Those Holiday Parties

Holiday party season is here—and if you’re wondering how to enjoy it without tossing your nutrition goals out the window, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to choose between feeling good and having fun. Here are 8 simple tips to help you navigate those holiday gatherings with more ease and joy:

Eat Before You Go: 

Heading to a party on an empty stomach? That’s a recipe for letting hunger make the decisions—usually with a plateful of puff pastry bites or sugar cookies before you even realize it. One simple way to support yourself: have a nourishing, nutrient-dense snack (like a handful of nuts) before you head out. That way, you won’t walk in feeling ravenous—and you can be more intentional about what (and how much) you actually want to eat.

Use a Salad Plate and Wait:

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re eating at holiday parties—especially when everything looks (and tastes) amazing. One simple strategy: use a smaller plate, like a salad plate, instead of piling everything onto a large dinner plate. Then give yourself at least 20 minutes before deciding if you want more. This gives your body time to register whether it’s full, so you can decide if you actually want more.

Stay hydrated: 

Staying hydrated supports your body in all kinds of ways—including by helping to curb cravings. Try sipping water throughout the night, especially before having a cocktail or heading back for more appetizers.

Pick Nutrient-Packed Snacks: 

Nutrient-rich party snacks that are packed with protein, fiber and healthy fat can help satiate you. Look for food like oysters, shrimp cocktail, veggie trays, chicken kabobs, deviled eggs, and spiced pecans.

Love Every Bite: 

If you spend the whole party feeling bad about what you’re eating, you’re missing out on the actual point: enjoying the food and the experience. Instead, make a conscious choice to enjoy what you choose to eat. Really taste it. Savor every bite. When you let yourself fully experience pleasure in your food, it’s often easier to stop when you’ve had enough—because you’re satisfied, not deprived.

Notice Your Body’s Hunger Signals: 

Using your brain or your taste buds to gauge how much food your body actually needs can make it much harder for you to stop eating when your body is full.  Instead, pay attention to the physical hunger sensations in your stomach to determine when to stop eating.  Remind yourself that there will be food at the party all night and if you get hungry again, you can always go back for more food.

Get Glam:

Whether it’s your favorite red dress or something that sparkles, pick an outfit that lights you up and reminds you of how radiant you are.  When you’re feeling good in your body, it’s often easier to care for it in ways that feel good—like choosing foods that truly nourish you.

Fill up on Fun:

Instead of centering the night around champagne and hors d’oeuvres, let it be about connecting with people you care about, making new friends, or lending a hand to your host. Meaningful connection, laughter, and shared moments can nourish you in ways food simply can’t—and that’s what the holidays are really about.