Hot tips for Peak Performance Party-Going

Hot Tips for Peak Performance Party-Going

1. Eat Breakfast
Breakfast is always a good way to start the day but especially on the days that you are planning to socialise. Research shows that those who include breakfast eat less at the end of the day, and if you have a party to go at 5.30pm, this could be crucial. Breakfast revs up the engine and gets your metabolism going. Keep it simple and go for a high fibre cereal with low fat milk and fruit, a fruit smoothie or eggs on wholegrain toast.

2. Choose your drop
Many people wonder which is the best drop to choose when keeping an eye on the calories. Things are pretty equal if you consume 100ml of white or red wine or champagne or 30 ml vodka (or other similar spirit). For the same amount of calories this would give you 200ml beer, but who drinks 200ml beer? Is anyone in the habit of drinking half a stubbie of beer and then leaving it?
Watch out for the soft drink though, there are way more calories in the coke than the bourbon. Choose no sugar soft drinks and save a heap.

3. Don’t be a squirrel
Stay away from the chips, dips and nuts and you won’t be storing up for winter. By doing this you will actually have room for the real food, enjoy it and not feel like a puffer fish.

4. Prepare for the game
If you know that you are going to be partying at 5.30pm, prepare for the event by eating before you go. Try a sandwich or fruit and yoghurt an hour before you go and avoid pouncing on the sausage rolls, party pies, spring rolls and mini-quiches.

5. Have a game plan
It can be so hard to avoid food at a party and lets face it, you do have to eat.
If ‘bits’ of food are on the menu, go for the sushi, gourmet sandwiches and seafood and run away from the pastry and deep-fried mysteries. Maybe leave a little room for toast when you get home.

6. Get moving
It simple but true, what goes in must be less than what goes out. In other words, your food intake has to be less than or equal to your exercise output to avoid that 2-3 kg festive weight gain.
There is nothing like a walk, run, cycle or workout, to get a dose of feel good endorphins and a pumping heart. Get out there and train up for the party!

MORE READING: Check out my article on the My Community website!

Recipe: Never Fail Berry Fool

Ingredients (serves 4)
3 egg whites
¼ cup caster sugar
2 cups low fat pouring custard
2 cups mixed berries of choice (or mangoes, bananas or passionfruit)
toasted slivered almonds to serve

In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric beater until soft peaks form. Take care not to over-beat or they will collapse and can’t be used.

Gradually add the sugar, beating constantly, until thick and glossy.

Gently fold in the custard and berries and spoon into serving glasses. Chill until required and serve topped with almonds.

From Zest by Catherine Saxelby and Jennene Plummer

Thanks for your support this year!

If you have a hot nutrition question or you want to be among the leading Australian and international companies who engage me to improve the performance and productivity of their leaders and teams, contact me at julie@juliemeek.com.au in 2011.

In the mean time, keep an eye on my blog for a special 12 days of Christmas tips!

Thank you all for your custom, support and interest during 2010.

Until next time,
Julie