It’s that time of year again, the time of year filled with Thanksgiving dinner, holiday parties, treats, pastries, drinks and more. If you’re worried about losing the fabulous body you worked on all spring and summer thanks to the countless number of calories you’ll probably consume during these fall and winter months, you’re not alone. Thankfully, E!’s “Party On” host Jacqueline M. Wood share some of her valuable tips with Campus Circle.
TIP #1: It’s all about having a balance.
When it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages and eating delicious food, it’s important that you do so in moderation. “If I have a cocktail at the beach, then I’ll eat a healthier dinner,” said Wood. It makes sense: if you choose to have a sugary, high-calorie cocktail in the afternoon, when dinnertime rolls around, it’s smarter to eat healthier, leaner dishes with a lot of veggies. Or, you can do it the other way around: skip the sugary cocktails and treat yourself to a hearty dinner and maybe even a dessert.
TIP #2: Stay motivated.
Some people have these moments where they’re balls-to-the-wall fired up on getting in shape, but then out of nowhere, the workouts stop. Wood has a remedy for this. “Switch up your routine…you have to find out what works for you,” she said. The TV host reveals that she loves trying different workouts and classes so she doesn’t get bored or tired out too quickly. Alternate between heavyweights, hot body yoga, hip-hop dancing, pole dancing – if it interests you, give it a try!
TIP #3: If you must drink, make these low-calorie versions of your favorite holiday cocktails.
This is by far my favorite tip! If you’re like me, you love holiday cocktails, but did you know many calories these drinks have? For example, eggnog cocktails can run up to 700 calories – yikes! It’s not worth it. However, Wood has a few “skinny” cocktails that are totally worth it:
“Skinny” Pumpkin Spice Martini:
182 calories
·1 oz. Pinnacle Pumpkin vodka
·1 oz. Crème de Cacao
·1 ice cube
·Rim glass with a pinch of cinnamon
“Skinny” Eggnog:
242 calories
·1 egg
·1 tbsp. stevia
·1 tsp. vanilla extract
·8 oz. non-fat milk
·1 oz. Kahlua Liqueur
·Pinch of cinnamon
“Skinny” Hard Apple Cider:
149 calories
·8 oz. organic apple juice
·1 slice of orange (whole, including peel)
·1 clove
·1 star anise (for flavor-optional)
·1 oz. rum (Bacardi Zero)
·1 tsp agave nectar
· Garnish with 1Ž2 cinnamon stick
When you’re at the bar, we have two words for you: Vodka. Soda. “I stick with a vodka soda or a vodka water,” said Wood. “There are no calories, no sugar and no hangover.”
TIP #4: Small portions.
If you must indulge, indulge in small portions, especially during holiday feasts. “If you like food, don’t deprive yourself,” said Wood. “Choose smaller portions. Switch it up with the veggies, look for the healthier choice. Just don’t overload.” So, don’t load your plate up with turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mac n’ cheese and pumpkin pie.
BOTTOM LINE: Work hard, play hard.
Have fun this holiday season, and don’t feel guilty going out to eat or having a drink with your friends. “If you want to have a good time, indulge,” said Wood. “Tell yourself, ‘I’m going to do this tonight and do a run on the beach tomorrow.’” As long as you maintain a balance (refer to Tip #1), you’ll be fine! “You don’t want to end up miserable,” said Wood.
Catch Jacqueline M. Wood on E!'s "Party On," premiering on Dec. 5, 2013 at 10 p.m.
Comment
