I’m a firm believer that you can be healthy on “holidays” and at celebrations, and still really enjoy yourself and stay full!  

This weekend I had the fortune to be with my family, and the tradition is to go to this INSANE brunch (I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of the dessert table – it is always outrageous!  Cakes, pies, truffles, candies, ice cream bar… It *could be* trouble…)

But there are also, among the countless buffet options, healthy choices too.  I prefer everything as simple and clean as possible – with a buffet, that often takes being a little bit more selective, but it is indeed achievable!

I headed for some of the best options this particular crew offers – shellfish, fruit, and grilled veggies.  A little olive oil can actually be a good thing, so despite that I don’t use much myself (or allow it at a restaurant, where they can easily be too heavy-handed) I certainly didn’t mind here.  Shrimp, lobster and crab are terrific options – high in protein, low in calories, and definitely filling.  

Fruit is always a great option too – the volume from the water content helps to fill you up, and the natural sugar can help stave off that sneaky sweet tooth!  The latter is incredibly important because sometimes we don’t eat the goodies because we are even hungry – it’s a “oh-it’s-there-why-not” kind of thing.  If you do fill up with nature’s sweets, you help give yourself more reason NOT to go bingeing on the bad stuff!

We also keeps fresh fruits around the house – my whole family snacks (me most of all!) It’s helpful to have healthy options around not only for those need-to-munch moments, but also sometimes as a pre-pigout-filler!  If you feel like you might go overboard when you go to a celebratory meal, event, buffet, etc…try having a little something healthy beforehand so you aren’t ravenous when you get there!  It’s a great way to stay on track, but to still enjoy the fun!

For more of my meals and deliciousness…