By Karen Inge, leading Australian Dietitian & Nutritionist

Like the song goes, it’s important to celebrate good times.  The only problem is that Christmas and summer holidays often mean one party or function after another. 

In December you’re likely to get caught up in the social whirl - cocktail parties, work break-ups, lunches with the ‘girls’ and Christmas drinks with - well just about everyone. While socialising is an important part of life, it pays to make wise lifestyle choices so you’ll survive the silly season and not end up ‘plumped up’ just like the Christmas turkey.

What to eat when you’re heading out

Whatever you do, don’t save up for the big night.  Some people justify overindulging by the fact that they’ve hardly eaten during the day, but in fact this is counter-productive. Skipping meals during the day reduces your metabolic rate and arriving at a function absolutely starving can trigger a food frenzy. It is better to eat your regular meals, especially breakfast like a yoghourt smoothie or natural muesli with Jalna yoghourt.  And include snacks during the day like fresh fruit, small handful of raw nuts or a Jalna Yoghourt OnThe Go or Vitalize drink.

Finally, make sure you have a small snack or light meal before going out to avoid attaching yourself to the food platters - it’s not a good look!  With a low glycemic index, all Jalna Yoghourts are a great choice for a pre-party snack, as the provided appetite satisfaction and energy to keep you going. 

When you arrive at the party make it a rule to avoid the high fat pastry items and anything deep fried - yes even the mini spring rolls. Stick to healthier choices like vegetable crudités, sushi and mini wraps or sandwiches.  And finally don’t forget the saying “out of sight, out of mind”.  If you mingle far from the buffet or catering staff, you’re likely to cut your kilojoule intake by half. 

What to eat when you’re staying in

If you’re a host try and offer your guests some healthy ‘finger food’.  Most people appreciate healthier choices these days and there are plenty of options for still serving up some indulgence like oysters, smoked salmon or prawns.  You may like to try:

• Cherry tomato, basil leaf and bocconcini cheese on toothpicks or simply with yoghourt
• Home-made yoghourt dips made with Jalna Natural Yoghourt.
• Lightly steamed green asparagus wrapped in thinly sliced lean roast beef spread with mustard
• Smoked salmon blinis with yoghourt (see our recipe) 
• Fish kebabs marinated in Jalna BioDynamic Organic Yoghourt, coated in herbs and spices and cooked on the BBQ
• Freshly made sushi and California rolls

• Home made mini pizzas topped with prawns and a dob of Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghourt blended with garlic

What to watch with drinks

Alcohol is also a real concern at this time of the year.  Try to moderate your alcohol intake by:-

• Alternating between alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks 
• Ask for some water on the table when dining out. This is a routine practice now for most restaurants. Quench your thirst with the water and savour the wine.
• Drink slowly.  Put the glass down between sips. 
• ‘Water down’ the alcohol. Put ice cubes in your wine or drink spritzers.  Go for half nips of spirits or ask for mixed drinks to be served in large glasses with more soda

• Add some antioxidants to your alcohol by serving fresh strawberries or pureed peaches with champagne or make fresh fruit daiquiris or smoothies with Jalna Yoghourt On The Go.

Eat, drink and be merry

And finally make sure you keep the emphasis on the merry, in eat, drink and be merry.  Dance to the beat, laugh with friends and stroll home on a balmy night to help burn off those party extras!