Eating healthily on special occasions

Occasions like Christmas, parties, weddings and so on can often be difficult times for those trying to eat healthily and watch their weight. Thinking ahead and preparing for such times can help. In addition to the tips for eating out, the following may also help:

• At buffets, don't stand near the food table - the temptation to keep grabbing a handful or plateful of something nearby can be overpowering. Talk to friends in another part of the room.
• Just because food is offered doesn't mean it has to be eaten. Feel free to pass.
• Avoid pastry-based foods such as mince pies, canapés, tarts, sausage rolls etc.
• Aim to fill at least half your plate with healthier options, and add some colour to your plate. Naturally colourful fruits and vegetables like crudités are not only low in calories but contain vitamins and antioxidants which are beneficial to your health.
• Try not to arrive at the event hungry. Have a light meal or healthy snack prior to getting there to prevent overindulgence.
• Mix alcoholic drinks with low-calorie soft drinks and water. Not only does alcohol contain calories, but the more that is consumed, the more likely that good intentions go out of the window!
• At functions like weddings and christenings, choose the cake course as a dessert instead of having dessert and the cake.

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Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Martin Seager, and Dr Celia Sadie and Dr Alan Larney, who are both clinical psychologists wrote this article in February 2007.