If holiday binging is wrong, I don’t want to be right but the reality is that wearing sweatpants out on NYE is not cute. Here are seven tips to help avoid turning into a holiday heavyweight this year.
1. Ready to Mingle
The reality is you are going to attend parties this holiday season; the office shin-dig, the best friend holiday celebration, the family Christmas party before Christmas and of course the annual Christmas feast. There is going to be food, tons of food, loaded with cheese, wrapped in bacon, covered in pastry puff, and stuck with a convenient and cute red toothpick. Avoid the food table when you are partying this year. If that means you have to buy a one-way ticket to Black Out City, then do it! Try to focus on your wine glass and talking (even if it is about all of the food you can’t eat). Yes, yes, of course there are calories in alcohol but it is a better substitute than the Pinterest worthy loaded potato on a stick your 100-lb best friend brought.
2. Eat before you go out
Auntie Sue might be mad at you but Auntie Sue can get over it. Save yourself the extra mile on the treadmill by satisfying your hunger before you get to the holiday shindig.
3. Spice Up Your Life
Spicy foods help get your metabolism going by generating heat that ultimately raises your body temperature. Now don’t get all crazy and spike everything with ghost peppers (that might lead to excessive perspiration) but if you have the option between the Quesadilla Jalapeno Spread and a Swedish Meatball, “make yourself a dang ques-a-dilla”.
4. Go to the gym
Easier said than done, I know, but try to make a conscious effort to go to the gym a couple days a week to prep yourself for the holiday binge. Not only will you feel better about yourself, you will feel less guilty treating yourself with a slice of Italian calzone. If the gym is too much to handle, go on Pinterest and search for fitness workouts. There are a ton of 10-minute workouts you can do in your living room that will totally kick your ass.
5. Drink Wisely
You’re not “The Dude”, so avoid the White Russians. Just try to avoid creamy, sugary cocktails all together. Trust me, you’ll regret the Eggnog. Wine or a shot will only set you back about 100 calories per serving. I always feel skinner drinking on a Vodka Soda, so why not make that your drink of choice. Or you can always support your girl Bethenny Frankel and over-indulge with one too many Skinny Girl Margaritas.
6. Wear Your Skinny Jeans
Your ass will look fabulous, so suck it up – I mean in – and put those bad boys on. You’ll be less likely to go for seconds and thirds when you can barely breathe as it is. And yes, unbuttoning the top button defeats the purpose, so please refrain.
7. Take a plus one
If you have the option to bring a plus one, then capitalize on it. They will be the perfect decoy to help you confront your addiction to chips and dip. Potato Chip fingers and onion dip breath aren’t going to get you the make out you’ve been fantasizing over. A wine glow and perfect lipstick will. You’ll thank me later.
