How To Have A Healthy Holiday Party

I think I hit a record this year! I’ve been invited to so many holiday parties, I am going to have to Rent The Runway and raid some of my fashionista friends’ closets. But lets be clear, “what to wear” is the least of my worries.

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I am more concerned about what I will be “able to wear” after spreading all this holiday cheer. You too? Well don’t fret my fellow FitGirl party starter, I am confident these tips will helps us enjoy every holiday party we attend without sacrificing our hard work and hard bodies.

1. Just Say No

For many people (especially women) it is hard to say no. Especially when the request is out of kindness and/or you suffer from FOMO. However, if your popularity is bound to stress you out this holiday season I recommend you just say no sis. Decide what parties and events are worth attending and then commit to being your fabulous self at the ones you really care about.

There’s nothing worse than feeling obligated to party hop on a Saturday night. So give yourself some wiggle room and RSVP “maybe” to the second party of the night, that way if or if not the spirit hits you, you can roll with your final decision sans guilt.

2. Show Up Loaded

On food that is. Famished party starters tend to eat more and are less likely to enjoy the other non food related elements of the party. So do yourself a solid this year and have a solid snack or small meal before slipping into those bedazzled pumps. That way when you show up, you can show out without worrying about if your back zipper may unzip.

Almonds and a fresh pressed veggie/fruit juice are my go to’s nowadays. The protein in the almonds fills me right up and the fruits and vegetable medley of the juice helps me get my daily allowance in in just a couple of gulps.

3. Slow Your Roll

Now that you wont be partying on an empty stomach anymore, don’t forget to check in with your thirst too lady. Drinking too much alcohol straight out the gate (usually because of dehydration) is always a bad look. Not only will this bring on a hangover nice and quick, you will also be thirstier than you were before you messed around and drained the punch bowl.

So I suggest stashing a bottle of water in your purse. Finish it off on your way to the party. Refill it and down it every other drink. Then take one more bottle to the head before you call it a night. Holla back hangover!

4. Pre-Game For Sure

At the gym not the bar. The best way to burn extra calories before a festive night is interval cardio training. Working out at a high intensity level (duration doesn’t matter so bring on the quickies) has the power to bear a pretty awesome gift- an after burn. Just like it sounds, you will be burning calories well after your workout- and in your case, right while you’re parading around in that new sequins get up.

So here’s the deal, alternate between high intensity exercises (think sprinting or burpees) followed by short moments of rest. This type of workout is known as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). It can be done anywhere and by anyone. Hit it up!

5. Eat Seconds Always

For real. This is a surprising way to actually eat less at holiday parties. The key though is to keep both helpings small. This is a great tip for parties that have super duper large spreads–before you grab a plate and silverware take a look and see what’s available. Then decide on what you want to try, what you can’t wait to tear up and what you can pass on. Then dig in.

Knowing that you “can” have seconds is a simple way to take advantage of a little personal reverse psychology. Also, try not to label food as good and bad. You can totally have some desert just not the whole cake. Saying “yes” every once in awhile is healthy and welcomed- especially during the holidays.

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!