Birthday parties, office parties, the month long holiday party, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, summer picnics, first dates, second dates… when do we get a break from buffets of buttery, heavy cream main courses and sugar laden desserts? And we’re all just as bad as the other. I mean, who wants to show up with a carob frosted tofu cake when you know you’re vying for top slot as the greatest cook over your sister-in-law. So how do you navigate the year’s onslaught of fatty, rich, sugary party foods?

1. Eat before you go. This may sound like it would double your calories but it can drastically reduce what you intake once you’re there. To make your pre-party snack work for you, determine what your weakness really is. Do you love proteins like cheeses, or can you never get your fill of carbs? Is it greasy or sweet that keeps you coming back? Once you determine what you will eat too much of, allow yourself to have a small amount at home. Also be sure to eat a protein that will help keep your stomach full. Add a full glass of water and you’re ready to go.

2. Once you’re at the party, have a look at all the food before you’re in line and pressured to hurry through. Determine a few treats you’ll allow yourself to have and leave all the rest of the calorie packed foods behind. Pay special attention to dips and spreads. These can add hundreds of calories to your plate. (Dips are one place where you can create fat free versions that are just as tasty and savory.)

3. Fill your plate with veggies and fruits and leave little room for heavier foods. Most of us will not stack foods two layers high, so what you choose first will be what you eat.

4. Choose your drinks wisely. Alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar and empty calories. So are sodas, unless you choose diet, and punches. For every beverage you enjoy have at least one (two is better) glass of water. This will not only help curb the calories you consume, but it will help keep you full so you don’t graze at the buffet.

5. When it comes to dessert you can allow yourself to enjoy it in moderation – it is a party after all. Choose only one and make your choice count both in taste and in calories. Don’t eat something you won’t really enjoy just because it will have a few less calories. This is the same as eating when you’re not hungry – it’s wasted caloric intake. You can make better choices when it comes to picking between a chocolate mousse and a chocolate lava cake with whipped topping.  

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