Charlo's Journal, 23 June 2010

I found this on Yahoo today: Diet Derailer #4: Parties, Parties Everywhere If your social calendar is constantly full of barbecues, weddings, baby and bridal showers, and more, you’re likely faced with multicourse meals, heavy hors d’oeuvres platters, caloric desserts, cocktails…you name it. All that temptation would throw anyone off a healthy weightloss routine. To Stay on Course... Consider the “specialness” of the event. Is this the only barbecue you’re going to all summer? Then have one hot dog with all the trimmings if that’s what you really want. But if you’ll be barbecuing every weekend, take that into account. Don’t use “But it’s a celebration!” as an excuse to overdo it. Don’t hit a party with a growling stomach. Saving up all day for a big event by skipping meals may set you up to eat more than you bargained for. Keep your metabolism and hunger levels steady by having a small balanced meal or substantial healthy snack before the party. You’ll be much better equipped to navigate food options and keep tabs on portion sizes if you don’t arrive starving. Do a lap. If you’re at a cocktail party or buffet, don’t dive into the spread immediately. Instead, take some time to scope out what’s available. Save about ¼ of your plate for the fun stuff, like cheese fondue, mini quiche or fried calamari. The rest of your plate is for lighter foods, like fresh crudités with a little dip, or mini grilled beef or chicken skewers. Think bout what’s negotiable—and what’s not. If you’re going to a wedding, you’re probably going to have a glass of champagne and a slice of wedding cake. So what’s skippable? That bland roll at your place setting or your side of potatoes, which you could have any day of the week.  

Thanks for the post! Great ideas!