GEARING UP FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES

It is that time of the year! Time for family, friends, and holiday parties! If you are anything like me you look forward to this time of the year all year-round…the only part I used to always dread were the holiday goodies! There are so many delicious holiday baked goods, how is a girl suppose to say NO? Well, for me it has always been quite easy because if I eat them I either get incredibly lethargic or physically sick–both not great options if you are at a holiday party. So I had to learn how to cut corners and survive in the holiday-baked-good world.

Let me share with you three easy ways that I use to stay on track, curb sugar cravings, and keep the holiday bulge away.

1. Don’t go to your holiday party hungry! It is basic, but essential! I can’t stress the importance of this one enough–don’t go to your holiday party hungry! Again, let me repeat that–NEVER GO TO A HOLIDAY PARTY HUNGRY! If you go to a holiday party while hungry it is really hard to override the sugar cravings, but if you are already full it is easy to either pass altogether or dramatically limit the amount of holiday junk food you consume.

2. Politely insist on bringing something. I do this everywhere I go. Not only does it take some stress off the hostess of the party, but it also ensures that you are bringing something that you can eat. I usually bring salads, fruit platters, and healthy desserts.3. Let your closest friends and family know your eating preferences. Now let me start by stating I DO NOT jump from the rooftops screaming, “I DONT EAT SUGAR, OR DAIRY, OR WHEAT!” Until recently many of my friends had no idea what my diet restrictions were. (See TEDx Talk.) How is this possible? I am not a big fan of jumping on a soapbox to preach to everyone, and nowadays you can order healthy alternatives almost anywhere. This is also one of the reasons that I started creating my Naturally Healthy Desserts. I didn’t want to preach, I just wanted to give alternatives. Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys a high-maintenance girl saying, “Uhhh…I don’t eat that.” So don’t be that person. But letting the people close to you know about your restrictions will help them to give you the quiet support you need out in public.

I hope these three easy tips will help you at your next holiday party! If you’re looking for something extra special to bring to your next party try this Chocolate Fudge recipe.