How To Lose Weight, Even In The Holiday Season.

It seems we’re never very far away from some sort of party or celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any number of other celebration. These events are the perfect time to break away from your weight loss diet and “cheat” every now and then.

Of course, in moderation, there’s not much harm. After all, it’s fun to treat yourself every once and awhile.

But when these celebrations and parties start to add up, it’s easy to abandon your weight loss program altogether – and abandon the fantastic weight loss results that are waiting for you.

So here are a few tips to help you enjoy those celebrations, yet still stick to your eight loss diet and continue to lose weight.

Buffets can be a dieter's nightmare, simply because there’s so much food and so many choices! It’s easy to have a little of everything, and throw your diet out of the window. But most of the time, there is still an enjoyable alternative which will fit in with your weight loss goals.

Here’s that alternative: Survey the buffet and see what really appeals to you. But don't take a plate just yet. If shrimp scampi is one of your favorite all time dishes and it's there right in front of you, it's going to be difficult to resist.

And you’re allowed to have it!

You see, what's important is that you eat what you really want and not just stuff yourself with whatever is available. After you've seen what's available fill your plate with veggies and salads and a small portion of the food you love.

Eat the veggies and salad and then your favorite. The veggies will give you a sense of fullness. Your food favorite will leave you satisfied. There you have it – you’ve just had an enjoyable (and healthy) meal that fits in with your weight loss goals.

Some parties won’t have a buffet. Many parties just have appetizers and snacks. What you do here is make a small plate that resembles a normal meal. A few carrot sticks, olives, and a ham wrapped breadstick would be one choice. Whole wheat crackers, a slice or two of cheese and fruit slices is another. There’s always a way to make a nice meal if you be creative.

Now we understand that sit down dinners are a bit more of a challenge. Of course, the menu is limited to what the hostess has prepared. She will notice what you're eating or not eating. Most sit down dinners are served in courses rather than family style, ie. all the food served at once on the table and everyone helps themselves.

Ask what's on the menu for the evening if there aren't menu cards and make your choices as to what you will and won't eat. If possible, just ask for your salad dressing on the side for the salad course.

Eat a good portion of the salad and soup. People, including your hostess, will notice you eating early in the evening and will assume that you'll continue to enjoy the meal. If the entrée is something that isn't on your diet program, eat around it. There’s no shame in using that child's trick of pushing the food around while not actually eating it. Or eat a very small portion of the forbidden food and clean up on the veggies.

These days nobody pushes dessert, so don't be embarrassed to decline.

Stick to no more than a glass of wine or two. Some studies have shown that drinking a glass of wine with dinner helps you to lose weight. Mixed drinks have more calories than wine primarily because of the sugars in the mixer. A wine spritzer is another good option.

In conclusion, it’s fine to enjoy the celebrations, parties, and holidays that can make eating so fun. But it really doesn’t take too much thought or extra effort to enjoy the food and stick to your weight loss goals.

And remember, the results will be worth it!