How to Eat Smart at Parties

[ My family’s brunch table ]

[ Watermelon pieces to add to champagne ]

Just because I indulge on holidays, doesn’t mean I stuff my face like a famished, starving pig. Is it necessary to feel like you’re going to blow up because you ate too much crap? No. This is precisely why I am not a big fan of diets. They’re consuming, obsessive, & typically end in a binge. Everything in moderation.

How to Eat at Cocktail/Holiday Parties:

+ Eat a large snack before the soirée: it drives me absolutely nuts when I hear people say “don’t eat too much- you don’t want to ruin your appetite before dinner!” Prior to every party, restaurant outing, etc. I eat something [ think a fruit salad w/ Greek yogurt, nuts, hummus w/ veggies, etc. ], so I am not starved when I arrive.

+ For every cocktail, chug a glass of water: just do it. You’ll thank me in the morning.

+ Portion control: this Easter I used an appetizer plate for my entree items. You will feel like you’re getting more food with a smaller plate plus you’ll eat less.

+ Balance every bad, with a good: so you’re indulging- fine. If you’re eating mini hotdogs, add veggies to the plate too. For example: this Easter’s brunch I had a bagel with lox, onions, & capers and slice of carrot cake. To balance this out, I added extra fruit & veggies to my plate. Needless to say, I was satisfied & didn’t want seconds.

+ Don’t stress: enjoy yourself! You’re at a party/restaurant/holiday event- relax. Tomorrow’s a new day which will hopefully consist of lots of water, vegetables, & whole grains.

[ Fresh coleslaw]

[ Our pretty Easter table decorated by Julie ]

[ Frozen tangerines substituted as ice in the margarita pitcher ]

[ Bubbly + a candy-filled vase ]

[ A medley of plump berries ]