Unislim’s Christmas Party Survival Guide

Party Prep

It’s important that you eat normally pre-party to make sure that you have the energy you need to keep you going into the early hours.

Don’t skip meals or arrive at the party hungry, as you will be easily tempted by foods that you normally wouldn’t opt for – we’re talking the handfuls of Pringles, Doritos, cocktail sausages and pretzels.

Eating a healthy, balanced pre-party meal that includes slow-releasing carbohydrates like sweet potato or quinoa is the best way to keep blood sugar levels in check and your focus on having fun. Check out some our favourite sweet potato recipes here and be ready to dance the night away.

What to Wear?

One of the most time-consuming tasks many of us face over the Christmas season is deciding what to wear on a big night out!

Whether it’s a work night out or a family get together, the number one priority is that you feel comfortable and fabulous. Whether it be trousers, a dress or a suit. Try it on beforehand and make sure you are happy and comfy with your choice.

Whatever you choose, make sure the outfit you wear on the night fits properly and isn’t too loose or tight so that fiddling with it doesn’t get in the way of your fun. Remember, a smile is the best outfit you can wear.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for keeping hangovers at bay. Make a conscious effort to drink 6-8 glasses of water or herbal teas before a night out. Keep a bottle of water on your desk, and drink from it all day so that you don’t hit the party already dehydrated.

At the party alternate alcoholic drinks with still or sparkling water. Dehydration mixed with excess alcohol will only dehydrate you further and lead to a sore head in the morning.

Check out Ruth Field aka The Grit Doctor’s Top Tips to stay hydrated.

Tip: Try adding some sparkling water to your white wine for a refreshing spritzer, it’ll help you increase your water intake and make your wine go further.

Bank your Bites

If you know you have a special night coming up during the festive season make sure you are prepared for it by having some extra bites banked.

You can earn some extra bites by exercising in the lead up to your night out. This way, when the party comes around you will be able to enjoy your favourite food and drinks with the extra bites you have saved up.

Check out your Let’s Get Moving book to see how many bites you can earn through various exercises.

At the Bar

Christmas parties make it hard to resist a tipple or two. Here are our top 5 sip smart tips to ensure that you make the healthiest choices possible when at the bar:

1. Stick to diet, slimline or low-calorie mixers
2. Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic
3. Stay away from the punch bowl – you can never be sure of what’s in there!
4. If you prefer a Pint of beer, lager or cider, just have your Bites ready to go. Where possible, opt for a lighter option like Heineken Light.
5. Opt for simple spirits and tonic as opposed to cocktails. The average Mojito will set you back a minimum of 3 Bites – which is equal to 3 Gin & Slimline tonics. Choose wisely and always drink responsibly.

At the Buffet

If the lure of the buffet table is too much to resist, look for healthy options. A lot of buffet tables will include vegetable sticks and dips, a choice of salads, crusty wholemeal rolls, lean meats like ham or turkey and fruit bowls.

Denying yourself the less healthy options may just make you want them more, so you’re best off to take smaller samples of these nibbles (just make sure you ‘bite’ them). Once you’ve chosen your food, move away from the buffet table to avoid topping up your plate.

If, instead of a buffet, you’re going to a restaurant make sure that you have a look at the menu before you go. This way you can have healthy, on track choices planned for before you even arrive.

If it’s a dinner party you’re heading to, why not whip up a tasty, Unislim friendly dish for the host such as Unislim Nachos, Bailey Bombs, Filo Mince Parcels or a Roasted Red Pepper Dip. This way you can rest assured knowing that what you’re eating is on plan.

Let the fun begin

Take your focus away from the food by picking up the karaoke mic or playing party games. Once the activities are done, finish the night by hitting the dance floor into the early hours for the perfect end to a fantastic party. You’ll even earn some extra bites while you’re at it.

Most importantly, let your hair down and have fun! If you do go completely off plan, remember not to worry. Draw a line under it and begin again with your next meal, remember to attend class and face the scales as it’ll help keep you accountable and on track. Make sure to log in to the Unislim app and Facebook Community group for lots of festive tips and inspiration.