By Dr. Joey Shulman D.C., RNCP

You have the perfect outfit to wear to your holiday party, but need to lose a few pounds to achieve your best look. While healthy weight loss is typically two to three pounds per week, there are a few nutritional tricks that can leave you looking fitter and trimmer, even if the numbers on the scale do not drop dramatically.

Incorporate these seven simple tips into your daily regime the week before your holiday party for a flatter tummy, arms that look more toned and an overall leaner look!

1. Eat breakfast
Many dieters often skip breakfast in an attempt to cut calories. Although this may sound like it makes sense, research shows that skipping breakfast causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, thereby causing excess weight gain. Eating breakfast provides the body with the initial fuel needed for the day, keeping the brain and body alert. If you are not a breakfast eater, start off slowly by incorporating a healthy and delicious morning smoothie into your diet. Visit Make the Perfect Morning Shake to learn more.

2. Get a copy of the glycemic index
The glycemic index is a tool that measures the speed of entry of glucose (sugar) from a carbohydrate into the bloodstream. The faster the speed of entry, the more insulin the body will secrete in response. Excess insulin secretion can result in various ill health effects, such as fatigue, weight gain and eventually type 2 diabetes. Foods that rank higher on the glycemic index, such as white bread and pasta, cakes and cookies, secrete more insulin than foods that rank lower on the glycemic index, such as vegetables, most fruits, whole grains and legumes. Sticking to low-glycemic, filling foods is a very effective way to rid bloating and to lose weight.

3. Avoid fad diet, pills, potions and lotions!
If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Avoid fad diets that make unrealistic weight loss claims. Remember, the diet industry is not a billion dollar industry because it works…rather because it does not work. Sticking to low-glycemic index carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fats in the proper pH, caloric and hormonal balance is the best approach to achieve your ideal body weight and for a lifetime of health. Visit the Truestar Nutrition section to design nutritionally balanced meal plans specifically for you.

4. Do not go to your party hungry
Holiday parties tend to serve foods that promote weight gain, such as cheese, alcohol, sweets and deep-fried appetizers. Although it is expected that you will sample a few of your favorite treats, don’t go to your holiday party ravenous—you will be more likely to eat too many fattening treats. Have a light, healthy meal at home before heading out for the evening.

5. Stay hydrated
Drinking water will help you to feel fuller and helps to accelerate weight loss. Adding wedges of lemon to your water in the morning is also an excellent way to boost metabolic function and to detoxify. Do not rely on your thirst sensation to drink more. Most of us are mildly dehydrated without even knowing it. Include six to eight glasses of water or herbal tea in your diet daily. Avoid impurities in your water by choosing higher quality water, such as reverse osmosis, steam or distilled water.

6. Watch alcohol intake
Alcohol is a very quick and easy way to pack on excess pounds. Try choosing light beer and wine over mixed drinks. Some mixed drinks have as many as 500 calories, or more! In addition, to avoid dehydration and an unpleasant hangover, drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.

7. Lift weights
For toned arms and a tight tush, incorporate weights into your exercise program three times per week. If you prefer a home workout, hand weights are an excellent, affordable investment. “For best results, when lifting weights, lift the weight in a slow and controlled manner and focus on feeling the muscle contract through the full range of motion,” says Truestar fitness expert, Michael Carrera.