The Simple Life

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• Don't arrive with an empty stomach: If you arrive at the party hungry, willpower can be shot down before you cross the threshold. Physical hunger is a powerful force and usually will override your willpower. To keep your willpower strong, eat regular meals (cut back a little if you want, but don't skip them) and have a snack before you go (especially if you're hungry). Include a little protein (meat, cheese, peanut butter, milk, etc) with your snack to help take the edge off hunger and put you back in control.
• Be choosey about your appetizers: Try to skip anything you eat with your fingers--this will eliminate many higher fat items like mozzarella sticks, finger quiches, chicken wings, pigs in a blanket, and chips and dips.
• Look things over: Before you pick up a plate to eat those delectable holiday goodies, look over the food table and make conscious choices about what and how much you're going to eat. Remember to watch your portion size.
• Last is best: It's a great idea to be last in line at a buffet--that way the majority of the fattier foods may be gone.
• Go for the good stuff: Don't bother with high-calorie, high-fat everyday foods like chips, nuts, cheese and cheese spreads. Treat yourself to new and interesting foods.
• Fill up and move on: Once you've filled your plate, move away from the food area. Standing by the food table usually leads to mindless grazing, which can pack on the calories. Find a place to sit and enjoy your food and the company.
• Enjoy your food. Focus on taste and flavor and make a point to listen to your body--stop eating when physically satisfied (not stuffed).
• Watch out for high-calorie drinks like eggnog, punch and soda. If you drink, limit alcohol drinks to one or two. Replace each alcohol drink with a glass of water. Enjoy a glass of seltzer water or a diet drink with a lime or lemon wedge.
• If you still overdo it, don't beat yourself up! Get back to your routine as soon as possible and exercise a little harder or longer over the next couple of days.

• Dress in your holiday best--find clothes that fit and flatter your body and make you feel good about yourself.
• Mingle with everyone--branch out and talk to different people.
• Work on remembering names of new people you are introduced to and try to find out something special about each person you talk to.
• Introduce yourself to people you don't know or seek out someone that is sitting or standing alone.
• Ask the host or hostess if they need help with anything.