5 Things to bring to bring to a Party

Holiday parties are a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. They are also times when many of us (including me) are inclined to put on weight. It is easy to push aside our goals for defeating diabetes and get caught up in the moment. 

Willpower can be in short supply. It is a limited commodity. Stress drains this resource. However, we can be prepared to help give us the best opportunity for success. 

Always remember: it is not about perfection. Focus on progress!

Bring a full stomach
Do not go to the party hungry. It is hard enough to not eat tasty, addictive things when we are full. 

Bring a healthy alternative 
Some may think you are a little crazy for walking in with a plate of cut of vegetables and hummus. Who cares?  You are not only doing yourself a favor, there are others wanting to at least add in a little something healthy.

Bring some nuts or nut butter.
Vegies and a healthy hummus may not be enough to satisfy your desires. Nut can help satisfy hunger. It is best to not eat nuts as a solo snack. Eating them with the vegetables increases fiber. This fiber helps activate the stretch receptors in your stomach. It also helps slow down digestion. The fat and protein in the nuts can help sustain you feeling full and satisfied.

Good News! Your gut does not absorb all the calories from nuts. As much as 1/3 of the calories pass through and do not get absorbed. Nuts are packed with calories and should eat them in moderation.

Nut butters are a suitable alternative. Our gut absorbs more calories from nut butter. They are a convenient. You can slip a couple of packs of individual packets into your pocket. Artisana is a brand I enjoy. Here are some options:

• Almond Butter
• Pecan Butter (w/Cashews) 
• Hemp Seed Butter

BYOD (Bring Your Own Drinks)
Sweet drinks are a source of extra, and potentially hurtful, calories. Diet drinks are not a healthy alternative. Flavored, unsweetened, sparking water may do the trick. Herbal or green tea can be a nice hot drink during a cold holiday party. I like a cinnamon apple herbal tea around the holidays. Flavor infused waters can also be enjoyable. Try a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange in your water.

Bring the Right Attitude and Mindset
Do we have the mindset that we CAN withstand temptation?  Are we ready to withstand peer pressure to eat/drink things that will ultimately hurt our bodies?
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If we eat unhealthy, are we prepared to pick ourselves up and start fresh?  Don’t beat yourself up if you falter.  It is not about perfection. Consider the progress.
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Please share your thoughts. Together we can come up with some great ideas!
How do you deal with all the tasty “stuff” from the holiday parties?  How do you prepare yourself?  What do you bring?  What do you do to get your mind and attitude ready?

What are you going to bring to your parties?