Socializing and Your Stomach- Keeping Fat at Bay When You Go Out
What to do when you socialize on a diet
When was the last time you socialized with family, friends or work colleagues and delicious, sinful fattening foods were not a part of the evening’s festivities?
Probably never – right?
When you go out for an evening of enjoyment, light conversation and some laughs there are usually calories waiting for you on every table and beckoning you to come closer.
So what are you to do?
As you’re preparing for a night out give yourself a quick up and down look in the full length mirror and tell yourself you can have fun without adding pounds to your belly, waistline or thighs. Here are some ways to feast when you’re out without having to worry about the number rising on the scale!
Whet Your Appetite with Calorie Conscious Appetizers!
Appetizers don’t have to be full of fat and high in calories to be tasty! Unfortunately many are or for many the ones that are tasty!
If you’re not careful you can consume a full meal’s worthy of calories just by overindulging in appetizers! Choose a small appetizer if you must and be done with it. Be aware that shrimp cocktail, sausage rolls, chicken wings and mini quiches are all high in fat content and calories. Of these shrimp is the better choice but eat it plain as it is the sauce that can raise the calorie quotient!
Watch Those Creams, Dips and Sauces:
What starts out as a nutritious meal can quickly spiral downward into a high calorie feast if you insist upon dipping your food or smothering it with a cream or sauce. This is a no-no for the sake of your weight and your heart. A spinach salad is an excellent choice when you’re out but don’t destroy its healthiness by coating it with salad dressing.
Steer clear of any sauce that is super creamy, salty, buttery or sugary. Instead flavor your food with low calorie alternatives such as Cajun seasonings, salsa and hot sauce. They taste great and you’ll not end up suffering from calorie and fat overload!
Another important point about hot sauces is they encourage your metabolism to kick into high gear and allow you to burn calories at a speedier rate.
Dessert can be the Most Devilish of All!
Perhaps it’s not any of the foods we have discussed so far that are your downfall, but instead your eyes open wider when you see pecan pie, a plate of chocolate brownies, cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter cookies?
If this is the case then listen up! If you must eat dessert then walk away from the dessert table as fast as your legs will carry you but first grab a piece of fruit on your way to satisfy your craving. Another excellent choice is plain yogurt with some fruit and granola mixed into it. Yummy!
What to Eat:
Do you know what a healthy plate of food consists of? The answer is one half of veggies and/or fruits, one quarter of whole grain products or a potato if you prefer and one quarter of meat and alternatives.
Many people overdo the meat and underdo everything else. Eat smart and healthy when you socialize as well as when you’re at home and you’ll remain on your track with your weight loss and/or weight maintenance goals.
What to Do if You Overindulge:
So your diet went to pot last night. You had everything you shouldn’t have – including that delicious three chocolate layer cake!
It happens and it doesn’t mean you’re off your diet. You had fun and deserve it and now get back on track. Here’s the antidote to your splurge day. For one day eat only protein – no carbs, no grains, no dairy, no nothing other than protein. This will get you back on track quickly and feeling less guilty.
Information about diets and fitness is a large part of our weight loss coaching program at Free At Last Hypnosis and so if you’re struggling to keep the fat at bay then lean about our Weight Loss Hypnosis Program in Massachusetts here.
Becca Scott
Free At Last Hypnosis
508 529 2490
Filed Under: Weight Loss
