PARTY DOWN YOUR DRESS SIZE

PARTY DOWN YOUR DRESS SIZErnBy JJ Virgin Wasn't it Kool in the Gang who told us to "celebrate good times ...come on!" Prince put in his two cents when he advised us to "party like it was 1999." Well, it's a new year and some of us are still partying a little bit too hard when it comes to the eating and drinking part of having a great time. The great news is party season doesn't have to put a damper on your diet even when you have to navigate all those drinks and the dreaded buffet table laden with goodies. I'm always telling clients that their number one defense against overeating at parties is to make sure to never go to the shindig hungry. Have a great breakfast that morning and remember to have protein with your breakfast and lunch because you will feel fuller longer. This way you're not walking into buffet land like someone who has been on starvation island. That cheesy, drippy mushroom puff doesn't look as good when your stomach isn't rumbling. Next, remember that if you graze down the buffet line everything still counts. If eating standing up or in little bites didn't count then all of us would throw out our kitchen tables and eat bite sized cupcakes standing up. Of course, what you choose to eat makes a big difference. Let me help you make some great choices. *Don't Be a Dip About Dip. If it is a choice between hummus and spinach-artichoke dip, choose heart-healthy, high-fiber hummus rather than the latter which is loaded down with cheese and mayo.rnDipping with crudites rather than crackers is a nice way to up your veggie quotient as well, and it will also help fill you up. *Yes, I'm Calling You Shrimp. The shrimp cocktail gets high marks, as does the smoked salmon. Instead of the high sugar cocktail sauce try dipping into some spicy salsa or even going without the dip. If there is some guacamole on hand, try a bit as a nice dip or even mix it with a tiny bit of salsa for some zip. *NO PIGGY. Another no-no is your standard party fare of pigs-in-a-blanket. I don't know about you, but I don't like to eat anything that has the word pigs in it. You can try a bacon wrapped scallop because of the relatively small amount of bacon provides loads of flavor, while the scallop is a high quality protein source that also contains omega three fats. *AUNT JENNY'S FAMOUS MEATBALLS. No offense to your relatives, but those meatballs are probably loaded with bread and eggs. Eat them in small doses. Tell Aunt Jenny they're delicious and you've had five of them already. It's a small white lie that won't get you in trouble unless she's keeping count. *MINI QUICHE. There is nothing really mini about this food and I'd say to skip it. Plus, who even knows what the heck is in these tiny pies? My rule is if I can't figure out what's in it then I'm not eating it. *NOT SO NUTS. Go nuts for a quick grab food because nuts have protein, fiber and good fats. However, you can't graze on nuts all night long because too much of a good thing is...too much. Try just eating 10 nuts and don't lose count by standing by the nuts and turbo loading them into your mouth as you talk. Those 10 nuts will fill you up and are a nice tasty treat. *STEP AWAY. It's always helpful to step away from the buffet table. Is there a nice patio area where you can go outside and talk? Can you go into the den and find some old friends? Consciously make a decision that you've eaten enough and amuse yourself by talking, dancing, catching up or even playing DJ. You're not there to just eat, but to greet old chums.