Social gatherings during any time of the year can tempt us to eat more than we should and cause us to feel sluggish and over-stuffed when we leave. To help you avoid this trap and encourage you to make healthy choices, here are a few tips that may help control your eating and drinking at the next BBQ you attend.
- Do not leave your house on an empty stomach; otherwise you may overeat once you arrive at the party because you are starving. Have a healthy snack before you leave, such as piece of fruit or low-fat yogurt.
- Plan ahead. Try to find out the menu ahead of time and make healthy choices before you go.
- If it is pot-luck style, take a healthy choice with you.
- Place limits. Try a two plate limit and a two drink limit
- Avoid standing or socializing near the food table.
- Fill your plate with healthy foods first, such as salad, fresh fruit and vegetables. Then, leave the remainder of your plate for small portions of less healthy foods you can’t resist.
- Focus on the social aspects of the party. Make mingling a priority to keep yourself occupied in conversation and away from food.
- Instead of a high calorie dessert, try eating a piece of fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Limit your alcohol intake. It increases hunger, reduces your willpower to say no to overeating and is just empty calories.
- Drink lots of water. It will help fill you up.
- Stop eating when you begin to feel full.
