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Do you ever feel like you have to forego happy hour or dinner with friends because you are on a "diet?" Do you ever turn down dinner invitations because you don't know what will be served? Do you avoid parties because you think that you'll be tempted by all of the drinks and good food? Do you dread family gatherings at the holidays?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be feeling like your "diet" and efforts to eat healthier are sabotaging your relationships with friends and family. But, that's not the way it has to be. You can eat healthy and still spend time with friends and family.
First, realize that parties, dinner out with friends, holiday gatherings, etc., will always be a part of your life. So, avoiding such situations is not a good idea. Although you can put off different parties and get-togethers for a short while, you can't do it forever. Therefore, one of the most important things you can do is to make a "game-plan." Developing a game plan means determining how you'll handle various situations. If you make your game-plan ahead of time, you'll find you'll be able to avoid temptation or at least know how to deal with it.
If you're with your friends or family, remember that you don't have to feel pressured by what they are eating or ordering. You can pass on the appetizers that others are sharing and order grilled chicken instead of the burgers that everyone is eating. Or, if you are having dinner at someone's house and are worried that the calorie content is "out of this world," have a smaller portion and eat more of the fruits and vegetables available. You can also pass on the dessert. Simply explain that you've had so many other delicious items that evening that you are already full. If they are good friends, they'll understand. Or, offer to bring a dessert. You can use sucralose-sweetened products to lower the caloric amount of a dessert without skimping on taste.
If you're headed to a family gathering for the holidays, the same "rules" (see above) apply. And, although other members of your family may have mountains of food on their plates, you can choose smaller portions and stop yourself from going back for "round 2."
Alcohol is not only a factor at the holidays and family gatherings, but plays a large role in "happy hour." Alcoholic beverages can add up quickly and can reduce your willpower. Although a drink or two may not blow your diet, watch how you "drink" your calories carefully. (For example, one 12 ounce beer contains 146 calories.) If you're having an alcoholic beverage, cut back somewhere else. Forego the appetizers or order an appetizer as your main meal. Or, skip dessert. If you decide to forgo the alcoholic beverages, try sipping on a diet soda, light cranberry juice or a no-calorie flavored water.
Getting together with friends and family is part of everyday life and can't be avoided. So, if you're trying to lose weight, don't look at these get-togethers as obstacles and something to run from. Instead, get your game-plan together and have fun with your family and friends - all while controlling your calories.
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