Office Party Survival Tips

Last night I went to a party for the first time since I started The Virgin Diet.  Now, I know I had my husband's birthday party last week but that was different.  His party was at my house AND I was in complete control of the menu AND I did all of the cooking.  The party last night was at a co-worker's house and it was a variety of appetizers that were brought by many different people.

As stupid as this may sound, I was really nervous.  I wasn't sure how I survive in a social setting.  Would I throw caution to the wind and eat the grape jelly meatballs?  Would I break down and shove my face full of brownies?  Would my nerves get the best of me and need to be calmed with a giant bucket of strawberry margaritas? 

In the past when going to a party, I would never even try to stick to whatever diet I was trying out at the time.  I would always take a day off so I could enjoy myself and eat all the yummy indulgences.  If I were in the midst of just another "diet", I'm sure I would have had the same reaction last night; however, things are different now.  I have learned that eating certain types of foods will make me sick.  It's amazing how much resolve that gives me.

When planning for my evening, I thought through my choices and made a game plan.  It really seemed to help me come through unscathed and I wanted to share some tips with you.

1. Eat a light meal before you go.
2. Drink water before you go.  I even took a cup of water with me.
3. BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS!!!!!!! (Things you know you can eat)
4. Limit the alcohol.  You can have a drink but don't go overboard.
5. Don't mix drinks with sweet juices or sodas. (use LaCroix, club soda, tonic water, and/or unsweetened organic fruit juice)
6. Don't stand around the food table.

I use to have that little voice in my head and it convinced me that eating the yumminess was part of the fun.  Imagine my surprise when I found I could have a really good time without the 7 layer dip, cookies, brownies, and Jell-O shots.  Who'd a thunk it?   

In case you are curious, here is what I took:

Beanitos Black Bean Chips and Salsa
Nut Chips and Roasted Veggie Alouette Cheese
Pear Vodka mixed with Peach Pear LaCroix and Unsweetened Organic Pineapple Juice

**I also ate some fresh fruit, some of another homemade cheese ball, AND.........5 M&M's (yes I counted them)

New Discovery

I found this salad dressing at my local health food store, Chamberlin's.  It is the bomb diggity.  I have tried the Lemon Herb dressing, as well.  It is delish, also.  Give them a try but don't just limit yourself to eating them on salads.  They make great sauces for grilling, too!

Friday Shrimp Dinner

Friday was a good dinner night.  The meal got 3 thumbs up in the Smith house.  We had oven baked shrimp, sautéed zucchini and onions, sweet potato oven fries, and tossed salad.  The entire meal is approved for all phases of The Virgin Diet.

Here is how I did it:



 

Oven Baked Shrimp

 



 

2 lbs Shrimp

2 Tbs Earth Balance Soy Free "Butter" Spread

1 Tbs Sesame or Olive Oil

1 Tbs Old Bay Seasoning

1 Tbs Garlic Powder

 

Directions:

Melt butter in microwave and combine with oil, Old Bay, and garlic powder.  Pour over shrimp and toss to coat.  Transfer shrimp to a baking dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 - 10 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sautéed Zucchini and Onions

 





4 Zucchini, diced
1 large Onion, diced
2 Tbs Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:
Heat oil in skillet.  Add zucchini, onion, salt, and pepper.  Cook over medium high heat until zucchini and onion are browned and tender.

 

Sweet Potato Oven Fries

 

 

3 large sweet potatoes

2 Tbs Olive Oil

Sea Salt, to taste

 

Directions:

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into strips.  Mine were approximately 1/2" x 1/2" x 3".  Tossed in oil and put onto at cookie sheet, sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then turn the fries over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.  **The key to getting crispy oven fries is to spread them out on the cookie sheet.  The fries should not be touching each other.  If so they will steam instead of crisping.  In the photo above I pushed them together to get the photo.