1. Always wear a snug-fitting outfit that does not easily expand so you have to hold in your stomach and use good posture. (Although remember to be modest!!!)
2. Carry a clutch bag that keeps one hand occupied.
3. Eat a small but filling meal before leaving home such as a bowl of vegetable soup or a vegetable salad. This way you are not starving upon arrival and can take your time making a plan of what you will eat.
4. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it. This time of year tends to bring out all our favourite sweets. I hate wasting food, but I hate extra pounds even more.
5. Don't linger around the buffet table, bar, appetizer or dessert areas. Socialize with your friends away from the food and drinks.
6. Limit cocktails to two, with sparkling water and lime (which looks like a cocktail) enjoyed between drinks. Alcohol calories add up (7 calories per gram of alcohol!) and if you limit it to two, you will feel better in the morning when you arrive for your training session... You don't want me having you run up and down the stairs when you have a hangover do you? ; )
7. Engage in mindful eating: make a single plate of food, sit down, and take your time to savor the tastes, flavours and enjoy every bite. This helps you recognize when you are full and reduces the likelihood of mindless eating the rest of the evening.
8. Anticipate those extra calories by eating light and exercising more on party days.
9. You don’t have to eat it all... buffets and party spreads are NOT a personal challenge!
10. "If you bite it... you write it!" Keep a nutrition log (which you should be doing anyway!) You'd be surprised how fast those hors d'oeuvres can add calories and fat to your daily intake!