We can ALL admit this is an extemeley hard time of year to stay focued on our diets! I will be the first to admit that I usually gain more than a few pounds this time of year BUT this year is going to be a little different then the past. I’ve worked too hard to get to where I am to blow it on one Holiday! Having said that, I also don’t want to be “too strict” to the point where I’m miserable because I want a damn piece (or two) of my moms famous Christmas fugde!
Here’s the skinny: I am going to over indulge. ONE DAY. Then get right back to it BUT that doesn’t mean there are other days (especially during this holiday season) that aren’t hard to slip on. Here is a quick and simple guide to hosting/attending a party while on Weight Watchers!
QUICK REMINDER: Weight Watchers is not a diet meant to deprive yourself, its all about moderation!
Tips and Tricks:
Eat before the party (preferably a low point meal like a BIG salad with grilled chicken and lots of veggies) so you’re less tempted to eat the ALL the goodies and over induge! Easier said then done BUT it will help you have some more control!
If you are doing appetizers: load up with crunchy veggies (Like mini peppers, celery, carrots, cumcumbers, etc.) and low point dips (Trader Joes Kale Spinach Dip or Tzatziki Sauce)! You can also serve crackers (that you’ve calculated points out for ahead of time) so you know how many you can eat so you don’t end up over doing it!
When hosting you don’t have to deprive your guests BUT map out how many points you want to allow youself on wine, appetizers and dinner before your guest of arrive. If you are attending a party make sure to scan the area before you fill your plate. Take note of which foods are going to satisfy you the most. EAT SLOW and remember you don’t have to eat it all! Tell yourself, I’m going to have two glasses of wine so I need restrict myself on bread, dessert and appetizers. So instead of indulging in it ALL I’ll stick to veggies, dip, (skip over the cheese tray), and have a few pieces of turkey pepperoni instead! Still really delicious things but you didn’t over do it to the point of eating yourself sick, a habit I used to do often.
When attending a party, bring a fruit tray, veggie tray with WW friendly dip. I will usually bring a bag of my favorite crackers or pretzels (because I know I can have 55 of them without draining my dailies). Also people LOVE when you bring backups!
When hosting plan your protein. Make sure its crowd friendly. It can be a Weight Watchers recipe (no one will know). Make it in a crock-pot or dutch oven (like a pot roast with veggies) so the house smells amazing when guest walk in.
Make a big point friendly soup or salad to go with your main AND always have a good hard roll or baguette cut up to go with it. Even if you don’t eat the bread your guest will be grateful because who doesn’t love bread and butter with dinner?? This also cuts out the work for high point “sides” and leaves room for dessert!
Make a Weight watchers dessert in disguise! Like baked stuffed apples! Or low point cookies with yogurt ice cream! Remember its ALL about portion control. You don’t need to eat the whole pie, just a few bites will satisfy you and keep you on the right track!
Stay busy. Lucky for you if you are the host you’ve already tackled this task so it’s a little easier to stay on track but if you are attending a party, ask to help the host or volunteer to help clean up to stay focused and away from the munchies!
Lastly: Drink LOTS of water! Make yourself drink a glass of water in between other beverages. Don’t waste your points on soda or juice if you don’t have to!
Here are some recepies that can be helpful when hosting:
WW Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Baked Apples with Crunchy Oat Topping
I’ll conclude with a reminder: REMEMBER YOU HAVE EXTRA WEEKLIES so try to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE for an event or holiday! If you end up induging more than planned you’ll have back up points! Also remember that going off track one day isn’t going t kill you, just get back on the wagon the next day!
