How To Survive Festive Party Season

It’s that time of year again – party season! If you haven’t already celebrated the festivities, you probably will be between now and 2018.

For many, however, the prospect of being surrounded by food and alcohol can be overwhelming, especially if you’re hoping to stay active and healthy over the holiday period.

Don’t fret though, parties shouldn’t be something to avoid or fear. With careful planning and a few tricks, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself.

Plan ahead

Whether it’s a work party or one with your roommate from uni – plan accordingly. If the party is on a Wednesday evening, but that’s when you usually do Pilates, rearrange your schedule and do yoga the next day instead. Don’t let your fitness plan get in the way of your social life, especially in December!

Similarly, if your cheat day is usually on a Friday, but you have a party the next day, move around your diet plan. There is nothing worse than feeling guilty for eating yummy food. Avoid this by controlling the meals you can and don’t give yourself a hard time if you fall off plan. There’s always tomorrow.

– RELATED: How Alcohol Affects Your Fitness –

Pace yourself

If you decide you’re going to drink alcohol, pace yourself. Not to sound like a bore, but trust me. Slowing your alcohol consumption down will not only prevent you from binging on Pringles and downing a ton of empty calories, but you’ll thank yourself in the morning.

Only eat what you want

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by an open buffet, I know I’m guilty of binging on everything I can get my hands on, just because it’s there – but don’t. Don’t eat things for the sake of it. Opt for the food that you enjoy and eat until you’re full. There’s no real reason to consume everything in sight.

Stay hydrated

Again, not to sound like your mom, but while you’re enjoying a cocktail or beer, remember to drink water in between. We all know that alcohol makes us want to head to the nearest McDonalds and buy 20 chicken nuggets, however, if you keep topping up with water in between, you can prevent this.

Also, when we’re hungover, we crave greasy foods – bacon and egg sandwich anyone? By avoiding the hangover, you also avoid consuming unnecessary calories in the morning.

Remember to enjoy yourself

Life is for living, not restricting. You shouldn’t spend the festivities worrying about how many calories you’ve consumed or how many times you’ve missed a gym session. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and family and remember that you can always go back in the New Year.

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