This time of year is prime-time for lots of social events crammed into just a few weeks. And wherever groups gather, it’s likely you’ll find tempting food. Social eating is part of the fabric of life. But if your social life is crammed & you’re not careful, you may find your clothes being crammed come January!
This doesn’t mean you need to stay home to stay healthy. Or feel deprived from the delicious treats at every party you attend. Instead, let’s adjust your mindset a bit & get a plan:
10 STAY-SLIM TIPS FOR SOCIAL EVENTS:
1. Choose Friends Over Food
Make your first priority to enjoy the company. Have a healthy snack before the event so when you arrive you can get involved in conversations with people you like & not be focused on the food spread.
2. Check Out the Restaurant
If you’re going out to dinner with friends, check out the restaurant menu ahead of time & plan what you’re going to order. That way you won’t get swept up by what others order.
3. Order Small or Share
Ask the server for an appetizer or half-size portion – or one of your friends to split a meal with you. Savor the food & take your time eating.
4. Watch Liquid Calories
These add up quickly. If you are going to drink alcohol, try sticking with wine or beer as cocktails have lots of high calorie mixers in them. Drink slowly to avoid having multiple cocktails & order a glass of water first before ordering another drink. Even offer to be a designated driver to avoid it all together.
5. Scout Out the Buffet
Before grabbing your plate, check out the buffet or party spread first. Decide what’s your “must-have/splurge” items & what’s healthy. Fill your plate with the healthy options & take a small sample of the other item(s) so you will still feel full & satisfied.
6. Limit Portions
Just because a buffet is “all you can eat” it doesn’t mean you have to “eat it all”! Get what you need & want the 1st time around – or if there are smaller plates available choose those & commit to visiting the buffet only twice.
7. Deliver the Healthy Goods
If it’s a potluck or family gathering, tip the scales in your favor by making sure the dishes you bring are healthful & delicious contributions. And eat what you bring!
8. Be Selective
Celebrate what’s special. Maybe your mom made her signature meatballs. Or, a certain dish is a seasonal delight like homemade pumpkin pie. Enjoy small, but satisfying, portions of these “love it, can’t resist it” items. Pass on high-calorie foods that are regularly available like mashed potatoes, everyday cookies, etc.
9. Forgive Yourself & Move On
Oops – you indulged too much. It happens! Just don’t let it dictate your actions moving forward. You can also keep some Fat Fighters with you just in case as an insurance measure.
10. Get Help
Still not convinced you can do this alone? Team up with a friend or co-worker to commit to not gaining weight this holiday season. Sometimes it’s easier to stick to a plan for someone else vs. yourself! And you can always contact me for a Free Initial Weight Loss Consultation & I’ll be happy to give you suggestions to get through your social events without any obligation to sign on as a client. This is my passion in life!
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