How to Be the Life Of The Party

• By CoachKJ+
• December 1, 2012
• 0

The holiday season is here! If your family is like mine holiday meal planning is well underway. As a health advocate I like to introduce new spins on our family favorites. My family has a history of health disparities and I’d like to see my family around many years. I’d  like to share tips to help you celebrate and make healthy lifestyle choices!

One way to avoid the holiday bulge is to incorporate a wellness plan before you pull out your party platters. The key is balance and moderation. After reading this post, I would like you to be encouraged and empowered to help your family celebrate with their health and wellness in mind. It is possible to throw a healthy party that pleases most of the crowd.

Appetizers can appear small and harmless but they can wreak havoc on your waistline if you over consume. Appetizers made from scratch are often better choices and give you control over the sugar, sodium and fat content. Even holiday treats can fit into a healthy eating plan. Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season! Remember, socializing with people we love, dancing and good food is what makes a party a success.

Try these healthy substitutions at your next gathering 

Crudites, fruit, veggies and dip, clean eating stuffed mushrooms. Whole fruits and vegetables provide fiber and vitamins and minerals.

Clean Eating Tortilla Chips and Salsa. One of my favorites is clean eating spinach dip I can’t host a party without this one. This is definitely a crowd pleaser in my family.

Clean Eating “Potato” Chips 

Clean Eating Chips And Guacamole’ 

Party Favors: As a health conscious host provide recipe cards for all of your guest to use at a later date.

Here are some tips to help you avoid the holiday party hangover: 

• Don’t overload your plate. If you can’t see your plate you may be over eating.
• Drink water before your meal and between bites
• Return your fork to the plate while chewing
• Be social
• Don’t party on an empty stomach hungry partying means more calories consumed
• Try to have only one serving
• Don’t deprive yourself but you definitely don’t become the party taste tester and overindulge

I mentioned dancing is an integral part of partying try this Dance workout  to combine fun with good cardio.

12 steps: The Total Wellness Dance 

1.    Drink more water

2.    Practice cooking

3.    Increase whole grains

4.    Increase in season vegetables

5.    Increase leafy green vegetables

6.    Experiment with new protein selections

7.    Eat less meat, dairy, sugar and  artificial junk foods; consume less coffee, alcohol and tobacco

8.    Develop easy and reliable habits to nurture your body

9.    Have healthy relationships that support you

10.  Find physical activity you enjoy and do it regularly

11.  Find work you love or a way to love the work you have

12.  Develop a spiritual practice

Join me in a 12 weeks of Change Holiday Challenge to promote a healthier lifestyle. Get your coworkers and loved ones involved by setting up a sign up station (guest list) at your parties. Have your guest write their name and an email they will check daily. Share the challenge with them! They will serve as your accountability partners and support system throughout the journey. We will focus on emotional wellness, physical health and nutrition, and keeping track of your progress with a journal  this is one of the most important tools to successful results.

Our mission is to replace New year’s resolutions with short and long term health and wellness goals. You’ll be the life of the party!

Cheers to good health for a lifetime.