The end of the year is most often a time for unwinding, relaxing, having fun with friends and family and parties with an array of food choices. It’s easy to put healthy eating habits aside and indulge. However, with a little thought and planning, it’s still possible to enjoy food in a more balanced manner.

Enjoying delicious party foods and treats once in a while is perfectly fine. It is perfectly ok to eat your favorite unhealthy foods in moderation. Eating one or two not so healthy meals is not going to break your health but the end of the year usually comes with a lot of parties and gatherings; often they entail food that doesn’t make us feel good afterwards.

Eating excess of sugary treats and processed  foods is harmful to our health in the short and long run as it can lead to tiredness, bloating, and weight gain. The good news is that there are definitely ways to keep healthy while still taking part in the festivities and having fun! You don’t have to be “perfect” with your eating habits at the parties,  but putting in a little extra effort can make sure you enjoy the parties without guilt!

One of the best ways is to get in the kitchen and create your own healthier meals and treats to share with friends and family. You’ll be able to keep your diet healthy, and you might even inspire someone else with your delicious recipes!  Simple healthy swaps like sweet potato for mashed potatoes, or mashed cauliflower instead can really make the difference.

Below are a few tips you can implement to keep your health goals in check and still enjoy the parties.

• Start the day right by eating a good protein-rich breakfast. Skip the cereals or sugary stuff like bagels, croissant, or pastries and instead eat a healthy veggie omelet or chia seed pudding that will keep you full for longer and will keep your blood sugar balanced. Also don’t skip other meals to save up for an evening feast/dinner. Going  without food earlier in the day could make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels causing  you to be really hungry and you are more likely to over-eat.

• Have a plan(ahead): Before leaving the house, eat something small so you don’t arrive famished. Some healthy snacks include a few nuts, hummus with raw vegetable, or apple slices with nut butter.  When at the party, take  a look at what is available at the buffet and choose your food wisely. For example, you can cut back on carbs like potatoes and bread during the meal if you know you want to enjoy the sweet treat/ dessert later.

• Veggies first: Start with salad and veg dishes when possible. By filling up on nutritious foods you are less likely to be hungry and fill your plate with unhealthy items.  You can always go back for more later, if you’re still hungry. Chances are, after filling up on all that healthy food, you won’t be too hungry. If you are hosting the party, then make sure to include a few vegetable dishes on the menu.

• Taste it : Take small portions to try/taste, that way you wont feel deprived: No food is on the naughty list. Choose the dishes you really love and can’t get any other time of year.

• Stay hydrated:  We often confuse thirst for hunger, so make sure to drink water throughout the day, and especially during the party. Be careful of the fancy drinks though; they are often loaded with sugar and unwanted calories.

• Eat slowly and mindfully. Slow down, chew your food well, savor each bite, and enjoy the food. Focus on the flavor by putting your fork down between bites. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full. After finishing your first helping, take a short break or drink some water. You might realize you are full or want only a small portion of seconds. If you think you are still hungry, then feel free to grab another small bite.

• Eat the foods you love: You don’t have to deprive yourself. If you really, really love the pie, then have the pie, especially if it’s an occasional indulgence.  Skip the things you can and do eat other times of the year like chocolate chip cookies which are available everyday/everywhere. Remember to stay away from foods you know you are sensitive to or cause stomach issues. Just because there is ice cream available don’t dig in it if you know you will feel sick or nauseous afterwards.

• Go for a walk: Exercise, even in small amounts, will help get the sugar and calories that were just consumed into the bloodstream to be used for fuel rather than stored as fat. Go for a walk or play in the backyard with the kids. You can even go up and down the stairs in the house a few times to get the body moving.

• Get enough sleep: Sleep loss can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. When you’re sleep deprived you’ll tend to eat aimlessly and reach for high-sugar food.  Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night to guard against mindless eating. Getting adequate sleep is associated with a healthy balance of hunger and satiety hormones (ghrelin and leptin, respectively).

• Don’t be hard on yourself: If you do overindulge, don’t dwell on it and move forward. Acknowledge your slip-ups and use them as a stepping stone to make your next meal healthier, even if it’s just by a tiny bit. Every little counts!

What are some of your favorite party foods? How do you like to stay on track when you go to parties?