Yesterday, while emailing with a friend about the menu, I felt excited but weirdly defiant. Like I was about to do something rebellious and risky, and never mind the consequences. Which of course, is pretty much what I'm planning to do as far as my non-diet diet goes: Nothing on the menu (which will include CB&C with soda bread, but also this, this, and this) is what you could call a diet superfood. In fact, a lot of it is a flat-out fat-and-salt A-bomb.
But I love to cook for company, and I love the food traditions of these holidays. In fact, the food is the whole point, the entire reason I'm having people over to begin with. Now I finally understand what all those annoying magazine articles about resisting temptation during the holidays are about: What do you do when a beloved food tradition comes up against your equally-important decision to take care of yourself and eat the best way you know how?
My strategy, for what it's worth, is this:
Portion Control. There's no way I'm not eating corned beef this year, and I couldn't possibly bake a pie without trying a piece. But this year, my pieces will be small, and my plate won't runneth over.
Walking and Talking. As the hostess, I know I'm going to be on my feet a lot, because my Must Take Care Of Everyone gland kicks into overdrive when people come over. I'll get your beer! I'll take your plate! I'll do your laundry!
Watching the Booze. Again, there's no way I won't raise a pint or two with my friends on this holiday of all holidays, but I'll drink a glass of water between each Guinness to help keep from downing too many.
Working it Off. I will be going to the gym as usual next weekend, and I might give myself a little extra time on the treadmill in exchange for that Guinness. This is what you call singing for your supper.
Not Stressing It. It's my party, and I'll eat pie if I want to. One day of not-so-optimal eating never killed anyone. And besides, as one of my inspirational and very lovely pals puts it, "A slip is not a fall." (Translation: Tomorrow is another day.)
For more from Epicurious’s diet blogger, check out Dieter’s Diary
By Siobhan Adcock
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