Planning to embrace the new year with a party? A lot of people have started prepping for New Year’s Eve already with excitement and enthusiasm to step into 2024, and definitely, food is one the important parts of every celebration, culture, and tradition. Although it’s the time to cherish good times and connect with family and friends, the occasion is incomplete without enjoyable and rich food. Don’t you agree?
If you’ll have to go through the guilt of indulging in a variety of food at the party and ruining the healthy eating habits you observed the rest of the year, your new year could begin with unnecessary worries and regrets. Rather, avoid getting out of control with food and feeling guilty about your food choices this New Year’s with these simple and easy ideas:
Say ‘NO’ to overeating
You can enjoy a sociable party without deviating from the healthy path. Although it’s going to be a special menu and you can’t abstain from it to stay on track with your health goals, it is not advisable to stay hungry for a very long time before you arrive at the party, as this could lead you to overindulgence due to hunger pangs. Have some light nutritious snacks at home, such as a handful of nuts, or a small sandwich, before you leave for the event to avoid getting tempted.
Take time to savor the dishes
When you see a large spread of delicacies, remember not to indulge, but only to savor the food taking time to enjoy it and waiting for some time before tasting another dish or appetizer. This will keep you from eating mindlessly or consuming food more than you should. Connect with people and don’t spend much time at the serving table.
Balance your plate
Consider the options available at the party to fill your plate with a balance of essential nutrients. Choose salads, whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and healthy carbs. This will ensure better digestion, healthy eating as well as satisfaction without guilt, which will make your new year’s party enjoyable without having to worry about your food choices.
A glass of water
Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but also keeps you from overeating or getting into digestive troubles. Your healthy plate isn’t complete, if you avoid drinking water. Grab a glass of water and enjoy your food guilt-free.
Have a treat this New Year’s
Now, take a moment to pick some delicacy or dessert that you’d love to have. Don’t get stressed thinking a lot about the calories or nutrients at this point, as you’ve chosen a healthy plate, enjoying a dessert of your choice won’t ruin your diet. Be mindful of the portion size though, so that you don’t end up getting too full with a larger portion of your favorite food item.
You may also choose grilled or steamed food and baked treats instead of fried food. If you’d like to have a healthy dessert, choose one based on nuts, dried fruits, or fresh fruit. Remember that your complete attention is not to be on the food and drink, rather focus on socializing, having conversations, and connecting with people as well as taking time to taste different delicacies.
Being obsessed with diet control at the new year’s could also lead you to eat less than what your body needs, which could make you hungry later on and you could indulge in mindless eating when hunger spikes and eventually overeat without intending to do so. Do not entirely cut off the food you love to eat, rather reduce the portion size and maintain a balance.
If you are holding a potluck on New Year’s Eve, avoid greasy snacks and make healthier alternatives without compromising the taste and quality. Enjoy the time with family and friends, and know the trick to balance your plate, so that you do not abstain from food but make smart choices and start the new year on a healthy note.
What’s your opinion on avoiding food guilt during the New Year get-together? Do share in the comments.