Labor Day means it’s very likely that you’ll be getting together with friends or family for the long holiday weekend – which unofficially marks the end of Summer.
If the weather cooperates, you may be looking forward to having a picnic or barbecue. Or if it’s cool or rainy, your celebration may come indoors.
Either way, a holiday celebration is always a good time to review some simple tips to help you stay focused on your healthy weight loss program.
Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Plan ahead. Make sure you have a healthy snack before going to any social gathering. When you’re less hungry, you’ll be more likely to make better diet choices. The worst thing you can do is to skip your morning or day time meals before an evening event. You may think you’re saving calories but in reality you’re setting yourself up to overeat because you’re famished.
2. Beat the buffet. Buffet-style eating can be a dieter’s downfall. When there are too many food choices, people tend to overeat. Remind yourself of ways to best navigate the buffet table by viewing all the food first, using a small plate if possible, and enjoying lean protein, fruits and veggies and some healthy fats too. If you want to enjoy a favorite treat, do so in moderation. This way you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself.
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3. BYO – bring your own.... Offer to bring your own healthy dish to the celebration. Consider making a colorful platter of roasted veggies as an appetizer or bringing a hummus or guacamole dip with cut up vegetables. This will encourage you to consume your veggie servings for the day. When you fill up first with healthy foods, you’ll be less likely to overeat the less healthy foods.
4. Step aside. Instead of hanging out by the buffet table, step away from the food so it’s not within easy reach. Out of sight – out of mind, so to speak. This simple strategy will help you focus less on the food and more on the people. As you socialize and engage with others, you’ll be more likely to switch your focus away from the food and onto having fun.
I hope these four tips will help you enjoy your Labor Day weekend celebrations and stay on track at the same time.
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