Question from Alba, event planner from Cipriani, NYC:
How does one manage to eat healthy and still enjoy the holidays?  Let’s face it this time of year is completely hectic with shopping, working, stress and parties. 

 And I not only want to enjoy some of the parties I go to but I also work at a few being in the hospitality industry.  It’s hard not to pass up the passed baby lamb chops or the bite size burgers that is enjoyed with some bubbly.  Any Advice????

Answer from Martha:
Alba, you beat me to it. I was just going to start my postings on holiday eating tips. I have quite a few!

The time of year is here for city girls and guys to hit the party scene - whether it be a work party, holiday party or just getting together with friends to celebrate the holidays. And of course this usually means eating and drinking more than usual. Alba, you have it especially tough working at Cipriani’s - I know how delicious the food is there! Those mini lamb chops and baby burgers sound great (… and the bubbly too!).

Here are some Holiday Eating Tips to help you stay trim to fit into your red party dress! (Yes - that’s Alba in the red dress)

1. I’m sure you have heard it a million times, but it is true…never go to a party hungry. It will be almost impossible to resisit the fattening hors d’oeuvres if you are hungry. Have a light snack that includes some protein a hour or so before the party. Examples could include (pick one) some nuts, cottage cheese, string cheese and a fruit, a yogurts, few slices of turkey. Alba, if your party is starting at 8 pm, have a light snack at 7 or so. Eating something before going to the party will also help your body absorb the alcohol better.

2. Be careful with the appetizers as most of them are loaded with calories and fat.  An average mini appetizer has 100 calories. I’ll post more appetizer calories  in a few days. Try to limit yourself to one or two of these types of appetizers at the party. Be selective - don’t just grab the first one you see. Wait until you see something you really want.

3. Better choices for appetizers would be crudite (skip the fattening dips) or shrimp or sashimi type appetizers. Alba, I would imagine many of the parties held at Cipriani’s would have these types of appetizers. Cipriani’s doesn’t strike me as a Ruffles chip and onion dip kind of place!

4. Moving onto the bubbly….what can I say? As I have said many times before, alcohol contains empty calories (85 calories for a small 4 oz glass!) and can decrease your willpower to watch what you eat  - as well as cause a nasty headache and the munchies the next day if overconsumed.  I would recommend you pace yourself. Alternate an alcoholic beverage with a club soda. Give yourself a “cap” for the night. (Not a night cap!!)  It might be two or three alcoholic beverages at the most. Don’t let yourself go above this limit.

5. If you have 4 parties scheduled in one week, try to make the other 3 days “Recovery Days”. I will give more details on these days later - but basically on these days, you should alcohol,  eat lightly and try to eat as many meals at home as possible versus restaurant dining. Stay tuned for my suggestions for “Recovery Meals”.

6. I know we are all busy this time of the year, but make sure you schedule in exercise a few times a week.

7. Do your best to get adequate sleep. Being tired can decrease our willpower to watch what we eat.

Hope these tips helped! Alba, keep us posted on how you are doing handling the parties.

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