Whether it’s a family get-together, after-work drinking session with your colleagues or a night out with the girls, a majority of parties revolve around two things – eating and drinking. Party food and alcohol aren’t necessarily the healthiest fare either, but the Party Animal in you can still stay healthy with these survival tips.
1. Eat before you party
If you know your night with your girlfriends will be the booze-fest of the century, plan your meals for before and after the event. Even if your plan is to get sloshed, have a simple meal that consists of some carbs, vegetables and protein so it takes a while for the alcohol to really hit your body. For dinner parties, eat a low-fat breakfast and lunch so you can ration more calories for the party.
2. Don’t arrive hungry
When you arrive at a party hungry, you’re bound to make some bad decisions, especially if you’re working to keep yourself fit. When the alcohol starts to burn your stomach, you’re probably going to order a side of fries, and we all know how dangerous it can be to your health. At the same time, going out to your friend’s dinner with an empty stomach will probably end up in a pile of food on your plate that’ll have you feeling bloated by the end of the day. This is why it’s so important to have a snack before you arrive.
3. Exercise before you party
Believe it or not, you’ll end up gaining a few extra calories at parties! Unfortunately, overindulging on a day you don’t exercises could mean the accumulation of more fat cells. Terrifying, isn’t it? But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself, right? To prevent this from happening, just get yourself a good workout for 20 to 30 minutes before you step out to party.
4. Know your alcohol
Did you notice some weight gain even if you hardly ate? You probably gulped down those calories. A glass of wine may be good for your arteries while giving you a buzz, but a 3 oz serving can also come up to 85 calories. That’s a 15 minute run on the treadmill! Alcohol contains sugar and calories, so watch the amount of booze you take.
5. Snack smart
It’s hard to stay away from food when you’re drinking. After all, they all go hand-in-hand. If you’re planning to snack while you drink, be smart about what you put in your mouth. If you’re hungry, opt for something that isn’t deep fried or soaked in grease.
6. Replenish after the party
Alcohol can do a lot of damage to your body, from your digestive system and even your skin. This is why it’s important to cleanse your system the day after your party. A 24-hour detox diet, along with some low-impact exercise can already put you back on track of your diet (if you’re on one). Start munching on these detoxifying foods or try a juice cleanse with these low-calorie detox beverages.
