* If you’re in charge of the party, have bags and wraps out so you can wrapleftovers and send them home with guests. “It’s better to go back to your regular eating pattern. Then if you want to cut back ormake better eating habits, make changes one at a time,” Crawley said. “This could be the beginning of your New Year’s resolution,” she said. “In the longrun, you’ll be less stressed, more energized and more noble. You don’t want to go intothe new year feeling miserable.” * Get active. A walk or swim will leave you feeling invigorated and less stressed. “If you have them around, you’ll be tempted to eat them just to get rid of them,” shesaid. “So send them away with guests. Or freeze them and bring them out later inportions or for another party.” “Remember to eat bland, calming foods and don’t do it again!” Crawley said. “Makethat one of your resolutions.” But overindulgence, whether on food or drink, can turn your holiday merriment tomisery. “You will eat high-fat, high-sugar foods because you’re attracted to that kind of foodwhen you are hungry,” Crawley said. “Eat some fruit or drink a glass of milk beforeyou go. It will help curb your hunger.” Family dinners and office parties make it hard to maintain your regular eating habits.Crawley offers these tips: “The holidays are just two days, not a whole month,” said Connie Crawley, a food,health and nutrition specialist with the University of Georgia Extension Service. “Justplan one or two splurge days, and don’t overeat over the whole month.” The holidays. The perfect time to shop ’til you drop and eat ’til to pop. * Avoid too much alcohol. “Survey the table and choose foods that are really special and that you will enjoyeating,” Crawley said. “Don’t just eat everything in sight.” * Don’t go to a party hungry. * Don’t go from feast to famine or you will get so ravenous you’ll just overeat again.
Getting active will help clear your head, too. “Some people try to cut way back on their food after they overeat,” Crawley said.”That just sets you up for failure.” * If drink, not food, was your overindulgence, rehydration is the key. “If you stand and eat, you never really feel full,” she said. “Fix your plate, then moveaway from the table and find a place to sit and eat. Also, eat with utensils, rather thanjust finger food. You will feel more satisfied.” Look for low-calorie sodas or seltzer instead. “Get a lot of noncaloric fluids the next day,” Crawley said. “It’s the dehydration thatmakes you get a headache. Get plenty of fluids into your system.” “Drinking water is preferable,” she said. “Avoid caffeine-containing drinks. They willjust make your dehydration worse.” * Don’t stand and eat. * If it’s buffet, be a gourmet, not a glutton. Drinking beer will leave you feeling bloated, but don’t be fooled. You still need eightglasses of fluid. “I caution people about downing more than one or two drinks,” Crawley said. “Itlowers your judgement and you don’t realize how much you’re eating. Plus, you getthe munchies, and the calories in alcohol drinks add up quickly.” * Even the best-laid holiday diet plans can get sidetracked. Don’t despair. This holiday season, eat, drink and be merry — in moderation.