TIP OF THE WEEK
November 8, 2011
SOCIAL EVENTS
Every weekend it seems like there is another wedding, birthday party, etc. For some people, sticking to their diet becomes almost impossible or a 'why bother.' Here are some tips to help you stay on track when you are out a social event.
1. Never arrive hungry. Hunger will weaken your resolve. The best approach is to eat before you go, like a snack or mini-meal that's light, filling, and healthy. Take the edge off your appetite by eating a piece of fruit, a low-fat yogurt, soup, or a salad before leaving home so you won't eat everything that comes your way at the function.
Be polite, but firm, when turning down food. "First say ‘thank you' and then say ‘not right now, maybe later,' or whatever seems to be appropriate," Just because someone offers you something to eat doesn't mean that you have to eat it. They aren't the ones who have to lose your weight or keep you in shape!
2. Avoid temptation. When you first enter a room, take note of where the buffet table, bar, and dessert table are — and avoid them. Out of sight, out of mind is important in this situation. Even if you see something tasty on a pal's plate, you will have to navigate across the room to get it — giving you time to reconsider.
3. Manage your overall calendar. For some people, eating events seem to pile up like cars in rush hour. You have control over all of this — not only which events you attend, but what you do at those events. It is your choice to go to the functions and it is your choice what you eat at the events. Be sure that you are getting the exercise that you need and eating right on a daily basis.
Every weekend it seems like there is another wedding, birthday party, etc. For some people, sticking to their diet becomes almost impossible or a 'why bother.' Here are some tips to help you stay on track when you are out a social event.
1. Never arrive hungry. Hunger will weaken your resolve. The best approach is to eat before you go, like a snack or mini-meal that's light, filling, and healthy. Take the edge off your appetite by eating a piece of fruit, a low-fat yogurt, soup, or a salad before leaving home so you won't eat everything that comes your way at the function.
Be polite, but firm, when turning down food. "First say ‘thank you' and then say ‘not right now, maybe later,' or whatever seems to be appropriate," Just because someone offers you something to eat doesn't mean that you have to eat it. They aren't the ones who have to lose your weight or keep you in shape!
2. Avoid temptation. When you first enter a room, take note of where the buffet table, bar, and dessert table are — and avoid them. Out of sight, out of mind is important in this situation. Even if you see something tasty on a pal's plate, you will have to navigate across the room to get it — giving you time to reconsider.
3. Manage your overall calendar. For some people, eating events seem to pile up like cars in rush hour. You have control over all of this — not only which events you attend, but what you do at those events. It is your choice to go to the functions and it is your choice what you eat at the events. Be sure that you are getting the exercise that you need and eating right on a daily basis.
