Tips To Avoid Social Overeating

With summer beer and BBQ season upon us it is hard to stick to your proper eating regimen. Social eating and drinking is difficult to avoid with plenty of summer events, family functions, drop-ins filled with an abundance of food.

While you're fully in the “I won't overeat, I won't overeat” mode on the way to the party, you can easily turn into the “OMG I have to try two of everything!” person once your eyes see the array of delicious food.

For those of you, like me, that teeter on the edge between “I just want a little nibble” and “I can't move, I ate too much” I have put together a few tips that have helped me to help enjoy myself without overeating... hopefully they help you too.

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Never go to a gathering hungry
Going to a party on an empty stomach, where there will be an array of pastries, cookies and other high calorie finger foods, will often lead you to fall off the diet wagon no matter how motivated you have been. An excellent tip is to eat something high in protein, like a handful of nuts, a hard boiled egg or a protein shake before you leave for the party. This will greatly curb your appetite enough that you will have the willpower to still enjoy a few of your favourite treats without binging, going overboard and eating too much.

Practice portion control
Just because your friends have been making all of the newest fun recipes from Facebook doesn't mean that you need to be nice and try them. Only partake in snacks when they are concocted of your favourite ingredients and stick to single portions at a time. If you are feeling pressured into trying something for the sake of not hurting someone's feelings just make sure that you take a very small portion. The phrase that I find works best when trying to avoid food-pushers is “No thanks right now but maybe later”, even if the last thing on your mind is trying it.

Limit your alcohol intake
This is tough if you are like me and love those summer specialty cocktails. Those yummy apple martinis and Irish coffees are empty calories and a lots of them! A 12 oz. Piña Colada has almost 600 calories, as does a 6oz. Mudslide. Also watch out for Long Island Ice Teas and Margaritas that have a whopping 750 calories each on average. My tip for cutting calories is to have one drink then switch to the virgin version of the same drink, or if drinking wine, switch to sparkling water mixed with your favourite juice. This way you have a drink to hold and sip that looks alcoholic and saves you from ingesting hundreds and possibly thousands of extra calories.

Dress up and feel your best
While on your weight loss journey, always love and appreciate yourself and your body, don't hate yourself or beat yourself up. It may be easier said than done so I recommend you wear things that make you feel good – if it isn't clothes then wear jewelry that makes you feel special, or get a new flattering haircut. Even something as simple as a mani pedi can bring out your inner Goddess and give you the confidence and willpower to stick to your guns and avoid social overeating.

Survey the entire spread before you fill your plate
Confronted by so many rich foods, you might want to start piling up your plate right away, but first stop and take a deep breath. Think before you serve yourself (and try to serve yourself, so you control your serving sizes). Scope out all of the food being offered at the beginning when you arrive so you can know everything you will be confronted with and therefore avoid nibbling throughout the entire event when new items are introduced. This way by being forewarned you can pick your battles and choose your favourites only.

Keep track of what you are eating
Don't mindlessly eat, and avoid eating and getting lost in conversation at the same time. If you are eating and drinking throughout the event you might not realize how many calories you are eating. Just because you're not eating an entire meal in one sitting doesn't mean that what you are eating are free calories. In fact, most snacks and appetizers at social gatherings have even more calories per bite than you would usually have in an ordinary meal. Be aware!

Good luck!

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