Eating is an essential aspect of our friendly gatherings. Unfortunately, many foods are packed with salt, sugar and fat. The good news is that whether you are attempting to lose weight or simply keep your weight, there are things you can do to stay on track while eating with family and friends. Here are some specific weight loss tips that can help:
- Portion Your Plate
Fill ¾ of your plate with proteins and non-starchy veggies (such as: green beans, squash, carrots, brocolli, tomatoes ) and fill the other ¼ with high calorie foods. - Size Matters
Use a table spoon to serve higher calorie foods instead of the traditional serving spoon. This will aid with better portion control. - Plan Ahead
Plan ahead for other parties. Think about the place you will be, who you will be with, what foods will be available and what your particular triggers are when it comes to the tendency to overeat. Then build an event eating program and STICK TO IT. - Timed for Good Results
The timing of an occasion can trigger overeating if you aren’t careful. For instance, if the gathering is later than your standard mealtime, consider having a wholesome snack prior to the occasion so that you don’t get there hungry. This can help you steer clear of eating more than you had prepared to eat. - Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and low calorie drinks. Limit alcoholic beverages as these alcoholic drinks are full of empty calories and dehydrate you. - Avoid Deprivation
Don’t deprive yourself of foods you love to eat. Just opt for smaller portions. - Distance Makes the Will Grow Stronger
Try not to stand around the food table. This will help you avoid mindless snacking. - Limit Desserts
There always seems to be many delicious desserts, but limit yourself to one dessert serving. If you want to try a couple of different desserts, then decrease the portion of each dessert so they are the equivalent of just one total serving. - Be Aware
In the busyness of everyday life, it’s too easy to lose track of what you’ve eaten. So slow down and be aware of what you are eating. Eating more slowly also helps you be more satisfied with smaller portions. - Maintain Proper Nutrition
Most of the time the food we eat at special occasions is not the most nutritious. Food is the fuel for our bodies. Some of it is healthy fuel and some not so healthy. Unfortunately, proper nutrition is difficult to obtain at most gatherings. To help counteract this, we highly encourage an assortment of nutritional supplements to support and maintain optimum health.
If you would like more information on how to lose weight and successful Oklahoma City weight loss programs, visit the Draelos Metabolic Center, at http://www.draelosmetabolic.com