South Beach Diet Party Guidelines

You've planned, sent invites, shopped, and cooked. When party day finally arrives, all you'll need to do is take care of last-minute preparations, and relax. The following suggestions can help you stay energized and worry-free before, during, and after the get-together.

On the days leading up to the party, and especially on the day of, stick to whatever Phase of the South Beach Diet you're on and make sure to eat breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks. This way, you won't be hungry while you're preparing the party food; and when the party starts, you won't be tempted to overeat.

While you don't need to keep an exact count of how many glasses of water you consume on a daily basis, keeping well hydrated will help you stay energized and it will combat headaches and fatigue — two things you want to avoid on party day. Drink water when you feel thirsty, and remember that fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk will also help contribute to your fluid intake

Exercising decreases stress and increases energy. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which help relieve tension and keep your blood-sugar levels stable so that you don't get cravings. If it's too hard to work in an aerobics, Pilates, or yoga class on party day, take a brisk walk or go for a bike ride.

We all have friends or family members who gladly offer to lend a helping hand with festive meals during the holidays. Saying yes to a little assistance is a great way to make setup and cleanup go quicker. Have your volunteers arrive early to prep a dish or two, arrange flowers, or set the table. And when the party's over, commandeer some help for the pickup too.

If you like wine, have a glass once you've had an hors d'oeuvre or later during the meal. Making sure you have food in your system when you drink slows the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream and helps keep your blood-sugar levels steady. A glass or two of either red or white wine is fine. Avoid beer (except for the occasional light beer) and sugary cocktails.

Special occasions and dessert go hand in hand. If you like sweets, cut yourself a small piece of cake or enjoy a cookie or two. And remember the "Three-Bite Rule": Take three bites, savoring each one, and then put the dessert aside for a few minutes. Most likely you won't come back to it and you'll realize that just a few bites of a decadent dessert can be very satisfying.

The healthy leftovers you'll likely have after a big party can be a blessing after all that cooking! Wrap extras in single portions to freeze and eat later in the week or, if you prefer, wrap and send food home with your guests as a reminder of a great occasion.