Summertime is party time for many people and there will be plenty of barbeques and nights out that may test your dieting endurance. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to become a hermit just to keep your body in beach ready condition. Here are some tips on how to enjoy your summer fun and still keep slim.
1. Make smarter drink choices.
Most of us think of drinks as being calories free, but the truth of the matter is there are some out there that could put a big meal to shame. For example, one margarita can have more than 400 calories. Have more than one and you won’t be wasting away anywhere. A white wine spritzer on the other hand comes in with just 80 calories on average. Now, that is a big difference.
If you’re not a big drinker, you’ll want to avoid the soda trap instead. Each soda has around 150 calories and roughly ten teaspoons of sugar. Try water instead or even sparkling water if you want to add a little fizz to your life.
2. Avoid the snack trap.
Let’s say you’re planning on having fun at a party and you know you will be drinking. A margarita sounds awfully good, so to make up for it, you don’t eat all day. By your second (or even first depending on the size) you will have forgotten all about your diet and your snacking inhibitions will have flown the coop. Eat a sensible meal before going out and never try to replace your meals with alcoholic beverages. It’s just not worth it.
3. Avoid the late night taco run.
After a night on the town, you’re probably tired and a little bit hungry. This means fast food since who really wants to cook at that hour any way. If you must go out for fast food, stick with the smartest choices possible and only eat half. It won’t be easy, but you’ll thank yourself in the morning.
4. Don’t be a BBQ downer.
Instead of arriving at a BBQ and finding out they have nothing you can safely eat without trashing your diet, let your hosts know ahead of time that you are trying to watch what you eat. Have them throw a chicken breast on the grill ahead of time for you. Most people will be more than willing to accommodate you. Otherwise, you’ll just make everyone uncomfortable if you’re not eating and they are.
5. Keep your eye on the prize.
It may be hard at times to stick to your diet when it seems like the rest of the world is enjoying themselves. You have got to stick with it and remember why you are doing this. A healthy lifestyle is so much more rewarding than a margarita. Chances are, your healthy lifestyle will be contagious and your friends will be inspired to keep up with you and get healthy on their own.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2008-09-04 05:18:27. Republished by Old Post Promoter
