SqueezeItIn.com featured guest bloggers Jen & Jaclyn of fit·n·pretty have stirred up some terrific tips – including recipes! – to survive the holiday party scene and all the extra calories that come with it!  Let this be the first holiday gift you give this year and pass these wonderful tips along!

From Jen & Jaclyn:

It’s mid-November and you know what that means: Time to dust off that little black dress and prepare for two months of cocktail parties, company get-togethers and big family dinners galore. And while we love all the festivities, we don’t love what a season’s worth of crab cakes and eggnog can do to our waistlines. At befitnpretty.com, we think that that you should be able to take part in all of the frivolity that this time of the year has to offer, while still maintaining a well-balanced and healthy diet. All you really need is a plan for how to eat, drink and be merry in true fit·n·pretty style. So read on for our tips to making it through the holiday party season without the usual guilt and regret. Because the holidays should make you feel jolly, not look it!

Eat first, party later: Before heading out to any holiday dinner or cocktail party, have a light, but filling snack. Safe bets include a cup of vegetable soup, an apple with a tablespoon of almond butter or a cup of Greek yogurt. By not showing up to the party starving, you will be much less likely to throw your healthy eating habits to the wind and dive head first into the tray of crab cakes.

Head for the healthy: When you get to the party, head for the trays of crudités, fruit, shrimp cocktail and chicken satay (skip the peanut sauce) first. After you have filled up on the healthier fare, you can sample a few of the more indulgent treats.

Make yourself a sampler plate (not platter): Grab a small plate and then choose 3 or 4 of the higher calorie offerings that you would like to sample. Take one of each for your plate and then really savor every bite. We all know the first taste of salmon puff/potato latke/quiche tastes the best, so after you have tried the item move onto something else. Do the same for desserts and just have a few bites of 2 or 3 different treats. This way you’ve sampled a little of everything, without going overboard or feeling deprived.

Go one for one: For every alcoholic beverage you drink, have one glass of water or club soda. Not only will this save you on calories, it will also save you from losing your inhibitions and indulging in one too many mini-cheesecakes.

B.Y.O.(H).A: Bring your own (healthy) appetizer. When invited to a holiday potluck, bring a healthy alternative that you can rely on when you are tempted by the tray of Parmesan breadsticks. So what if veggie crudité doesn’t exactly say let’s get this party started. Bringing a safe dish for you to enjoy makes healthy food decisions a snap. That way you can enjoy the party, without worrying about what the scale will say in the morning. Click here to check out recipes for our favorite fit·n·pretty hors d’œuvres.

And most importantly, remember what these parties are really about. Sure, the food and drinks are a fantastic fringe benefit, but remember that you should also be enjoying the company of the friends and family around you!

Cheers to a fit·n·pretty holiday season!

j&j

At befitnpretty.com we are dedicated to helping busy girls everywhere take the “die” out of their diet, by sharing the prettiest and most sane ways to stay fit and healthy.

Please note: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for the advice or treatment given by your doctor or dietitian. Please consult with a registered dietitian or your doctor if you have any questions about the information in this post.