What to Do When Temptation Is at Its Worst

by WiredBerries Editors — October 18, 2007

Many believe that the holiday season begins with Halloween, which is just around the corner. The holidays are a wonderful time to look forward to, but there are a few not-so-pleasant facts that need to be faced. It's the time of year when our wallets traditionally shrink while our waistlines seem to do nothing but grow. But is it possible to outsmart the sweets and decadent buffets? Here are a couple tips from the experts on how to indulge without the bulge.

Eat Before You Meet

Eat some filling, nutritious food before heading out the door to the party. "You often hear the advice, 'Don't go to the party hungry'--and it's good advice," said Kitty Broihier, MS, RD, a Maine-based dietitian and author. Because if you go to a party feeling famished, you're pretty much guaranteed to take it out on the buffet! If you eat first, you're more likely to savor small portions of your favorite holiday indulgences without being as tempted to overdo it.

Go Ahead and Play Favorites

When it comes to food, it's OK to give preferential treatment. It's tempting to want to try some of EVERYTHING when presented with a mouth-watering smorgasbord, but just keep in mind that not all food is created equal. Consider what foods you really enjoy the most. "If your buffet table is loaded with more choices than you should take, consider passing on those that you can eat anytime, such as mashed potatoes," says licensed dietitian Lona Sandon. "Go for those special items that you only get once a year, such as Granny's sweet potato pie."

"Skip right over the items that you can get anytime, anywhere," agreed Broihier. "Save your party calories for the seasonal and specialty items that you only get to enjoy once or twice a year." While eating, focus on enjoying every bite by eating slowing and noticing the subtle flavors. Not only will you enjoy it more, but you'll be less likely to "stuff" yourself. Remember, getting stuffed is for the turkey, not you. When it comes to holiday foods, it's all about quality over quantity.