Someone asked me the other day what my plans are for New Year’s Eve, and I almost snorted hot tea from my nose. I felt so cool for a moment, to think, someone would actually assume that I’d be doing something other than going to sleep as soon as my baby does. To my defense, I used to party it up in NYC almost every year. I drank too much, did other things I won’t mention here because my mother reads this blog, and let’s just say old Carly did this new exhausted, zombie Carly proud.

For those of who you will not be ringing in the new year with Tulsi tea and the ungodly bedtime of 8:30pm, here are some tips that will allow you to have fun without sabotaging your health goals or spending the first day of the beautiful new year in a curled up ball of regret on your couch…

If you are going to drink alcohol, be sure to get some food in your system first. This will help prevent your blood sugar from dropping which leads to the late-night munchies. Most likely there will be a lot of good food at your destination, so if you are going to drink, then stick to the foods that are on your ideal plan and skip the dessert.

Clear liquor is best - click here for a good laugh at a vintage FAQ video I did that dives into the science! The trick is having low sugar alcohol (such as vodka, gin or tequila) without adding a bunch of sugar to your drink (like a margarita). Clear liquor and soda with lemon or lime is always a good option. Avoid tonic as that has a lot of sugar (and diet tonic is full of chemicals)!

If there's ever a time to drink champagne, this is it! Keep in mind that champagne is VERY high in sugar, so just have a small glass or a few sips.

Dry red wine is lower in sugar (fructose) than sweet red wines and all whites.

If beer is your thing, BYOGFB (Bring Your Own Gluten Free Beer)! There are so many (tasty) options available now. Don’t knock it til you try it!

Be sure to drink lots of water during the day and drink one glass of water between every glass of alcohol (if you plan to have more than one!). Staying hydrated is key to a positive New Years Day. I also suggest bringing sparkling water to the party (or asking the bartender for soda water) if you want to still feel festive while hydrating between cocktails.

And I say this because I care: be safe. Line-up your ride home before the party starts.

Happy New Year - thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey! I appreciate your dedication and hard work and look forward to our continued journey in the new year. May your next year be filled with love, laughter, health, and peace of mind!