Holiday Feasting on the "No-Starve" Smart and Skinny

Two words:

HOLIDAY PARTIES

No matter who you are, those two little words conjure images in our heads and makes our hearts race. For those who love the parties but are concerned about the food --- relax. We have some suggestions to make it easy to attend those functions without worrying about extra, unnecessary, undisciplined foot intake.

1. Don't go to the party hungry.

Enjoy a small meal or well balanced snack to take the edge off before you leave your house. Making sure your snack includes lean protein, fiber and 'good' fat to sustain energy and make you feel satisfied will prevent overeating at the event. And let's face it, sometimes those buffets are beautifully dressed tables loaded with platters of empty calories with little nutritional value.

2. When you arrive, fill up on the good stuff.

Eat healthy 'risk-free' foods first, so you will eat less of the unhealthy foods. In order:

First, consume fibrous vegetables: leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, celery, onions. Second, lean protein: turkey, fish, chicken, ham, lean red meat.

Third, starchy vegetables: potatoes, yams, corn, peas and fruit.

3. Share any and all indulges with a friend.

Split that slice of cake or pie with another guest.

4. Use good judgement when drinking.

Alcoholic beverages are a big part of many parties, but carry a lot of calories that quickly add up. Limit yourself to a maximum of two per event. Wine and champagne have the lowest caloric impact. Drink pure water in between.

Most important, have fun and enjoy! Don't obsess about weight gain -- just be smart about your habits.

OC