The Word on Weightloss

Summertime is a wonderful time to regroup with new friends, family and your next-door neighbor. Usually, however, these get-togethers involve foods and drinks that are not included in your weight loss program. This can be very frustrating, and may even cause you to stay home and avoid the party. Do not become a recluse because you’re focused on your diet. Instead, plan ahead and use these 7 weight loss tips to get you to and through the party. With a solid plan, you can enjoy these summertime events and still meet your weight loss goals successfully.

1. Eat before you go.
Sounds strange because normally you’d probably not eat before you go to a party so you can indulge in all the goodies - this is not a good dieting strategy. Attending a party on an empty stomach encourages you to step outside your weight loss program causing you to eat excess food because you’re overly hungry. Doing this over several picnics, BBQs or parties can sabotage your diet! Take the edge off by eating a little nutritious snack before you go. Be sure your snack includes a hearty amount of protein which helps you feel full and will keep you from overeating at the party.

2. Drink lots of water.
It’s important to drink lots and lots of water in the summer, especially before, during and after outdoor activity like a summer picnic. Keep your body hydrated to avoid excess eating at the party, and sip on a cold glass of water instead of beer or wine. If your weight loss program allows you a glass of wine or beer from time to time don’t over do it...remember that successful weight management means moderation. Also drink water between glasses of beer or wine. This will help you stay hydrated and will encourage you to drink less.

3. Politely refuse food that isn’t in your dieting plan.
It’s OK to say no to foods you don’t want to eat. Be polite and say ‘thank you’ and then, ‘not right now, maybe later,’ or whatever seems to be appropriate at that time. It’s important to suggest that you think the food looks (and will probably taste) absolutely delicious to compliment your host. Healthy weigh loss means that you don't have to eat everything that is served to you. Choose wisely and say no thank you.

4. Bring healthy snacks to share.
Lots of neighborhood BBQs are pot-luck parties - so you can bring along a healthy delight to share with your friends. This is a great way to bring something that is in your weight loss program's menu while avoiding eating foods you don’t need and eating with the rest of the group.

5. Walk away from temptation.
Conversations happen near the food, it’s a fact. Avoid the temptation of snacking while chatting and lead your conversations away from the buffet area. Start your conversations outside in the sun and enjoy the vitamin D while you catch up with old and new friends...no one will ever suspect your weight management strategy!

6. Bring along a healthy eater.
Take a friend with you and work together to stick to your diet while at the summer party. Friends who stick together will help each other to avoid the tempting treats that aren’t in your dieting plan. they may also be able to give you healthy eating and weight loss tips as you move through the buffet. They’ll also get you extra glasses of cold water when you’re thirsty.

7. Manage your picnic calendar.
You’re in control of your weight loss program and your social calendar. Pin-point the summer events you want attend and consider which to avoid. Resisting temptation is easy when you avoid the picnic and BBQs altogether. But that's no fun so don’t skip them all. Consider which ones take priority and plan from there.