In between barbecue parties, weddings, birthday dinners, functions and a lot more, staying on a diet is a lot harder when your social calendar is filled up with tons of summer gatherings.
With all the sweets and high-calorie foods you are surrounded with, how can you keep your weight-loss plans? Well, declining an invite and refusing to eat sound easy but that would insult the host, and you don’t want that to happen, right?
Don’t worry, here are 7 tips to help you stay on your diet during summer gatherings:
1. Never go to a party in an empty stomach.
Going to a party hungry would definitely sabotage your diet because you’ll just end up making poor food choices. So make sure you eat something light and healthy to fill you up before you go. And don’t forget to drink a glass of water before you go to an event, when you arrive and in between.
2. Don’t deprive yourself.
You don’t have to say no to every food offer and make your aunt feel bad. Just have a small piece of whatever is being served. At the same time, depriving yourself will just make you hungrier and crave for more. So go on, take a bite.
3. Serve yourself in smaller portions.
Like I said, you can still eat what others are having while staying on your diet. All you need to do is adjust your portions. Just fill your plate with mostly vegetables, fruits and healthy protein. If you can’t serve yourself, just ask the server for smaller portions.
4. Be mindful of what you’re drinking.
Okay, so food choices and proportions may not be a problem for you, but how about your choice of beverage? Avoid soda, shakes and those alcoholic beverages filled with lots of empty calories.
5. Opt for fruit-based dessert.
Fill your plate with fruits instead of those sugar-loaded desserts. If fresh fruits aren’t available, just have a cup of coffee or tea instead,
6. Always have a plate on hand.
There will always be food pushers at every party. To keep them “at bay,” always have a glass of water or a small plate on hand filled with the healthiest food and snacks you can find at the party.
7. Keep yourself busy.
…and by busy, I mean spend more time talking, enjoying the music, doing activities, etc. Don’t let the food be the centerpiece of the social gathering.
