7 Tips to Party Like a Rock Star Without Wrecking Your Diet

'Tis the season for potlucks, office parties and family gatherings…don’t be a party pooper. Here are some tips to rock your party without wrecking your diet:

1. Plan ahead
   My favorite quote is “when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” If possible, find out what’s on the menu ahead of time and then plan your strategy. Are vegetables and lean proteins available? Are you bringing food to the party? Make sure it’s part of your diet plan to ensure you have options.
2. Eat before your go
   Whether it’s a cocktail party or a full-blown dinner. Don’t go in starving! It’s a plan for surefire disaster. Have a small snack. It could be a handful of almonds with an apple or a small yogurt.
3. Keep your hands and mouth busy
   If you feel your willpower dwindling because you’re in the middle of a room with all of your favorite foods, hold a drink in one hand and your purse in the other. Or hold a glass and an empty plate. Work the room and chat up everyone you can. Keeping your hands and mouth occupied will help prevent mindless eating.
4. Bring on the gum or mints
   As a recovering gum addict, my favorite strategy is putting gum or mints in your mouth. You can’t eat when you already have something in your mouth. If gum or mints aren’t your thing, brush your teeth.
5. Everything in moderation
   Try a very small taste of a few of your favorite foods. The key here is to really taste them and enjoy those foods. Don’t shovel down what’s in front of you just because you can. Find those special-occasion items that are truly a treat.
6. Sport a snug belt or outfit 
   This is another one of my favorites. Tighten up that belt or wear something that’s just a bit snug. Having a little pressure on your belly will help so you don’t over-indulge. It will feel uncomfortable and help prevent unnecessary noshing.
7. Need a stiff drink? Go for low calorie options
   Even this fit mom needs a drink every now and then. My go-to drink is red wine. At approx. 120 calories per 5 oz. glass, it’s not going to completely ruin my diet. And there’s always the antioxidants everyone is always touting. Other options for low calorie alcoholic beverages are: Rum + diet coke, wine spritzer, vodka with a splash of cranberry, Skinny Girl products, lite beer.

I’d love to hear your tactics for keeping your diet in tact. What would you add to this list?