Have you ever met up with a group of friends for dinner or a summer BBQ only to realize you woofed down more than you planned (or that seems to really fit in your belly)? I mean everyone else was eating it up and you really didn’t even think much about it, you just started shoving food down your throat. Well if this sounds like you then chances are these events can turn into a big disaster for your waistline and weight loss goals.

The truth is that eating with others, especially larger groups, will influence what you eat and how much you eat.

Eating in social situations often cause people to eat more and they are also more likely to eat dessert. Great way to pack on the extra pounds ladies!

And often these group eating situations are not in the best environment to begin with. You’re probably at a restaurant where the healthy choices may be slim pickings or at a potluck type event where there’s just a plethora of dips, casseroles, desserts, and of course not one veggie tray.

So if your goal is to drop pounds or maintain a healthy weight you have to start treating these events like any other meal. It’s easy to make excuses that allow you to eat whatever you want since it is a special event, but you know you are just lying to yourself. So next time you head out with your friends follow these tips to keep that waistline from expanding!

• Plan ahead. If you know there may not be many healthy choices, eat something before you head out or bring something with you that is healthier. Make the decision before you even get to the event that you will eat healthy and not let anyone pressure you otherwise.
• Most restaurants have something you can order that is healthy. Try getting some baked chicken or fish with a side salad or veggies. And it’s ok to skip the dessert or at least split it with someone else.
• If you’re at a potluck type event load up on the healthier choices such as veggies, fruit, and lean meat choices and choose smaller serving sizes of the not so healthy options. And grab your plate and make only ONE trip.
• Eat slowly so your body has time to register when it’s full to avoid overeating. Having to unbutton your pants at the end of the meal is definitely not the way to go if you are trying to avoid packing on unwanted pounds.
• You could even suggest activities with your friends that don’t revolve around just eating and drinking, such as going out and dancing or going for a hike.
• You do have the final decision in what goes in your mouth so be conscious of what you’re eating and make the decision to stick to the healthier options no matter what.

What tips do you have to eat healthier when eating out with friends or at a celebration with food?

Posted in Diet Tips, Featured by Becky | No Comments Yet