Managing Special Occasions

You’re standing there, plate in hand. Do you go for the vegetable sticks or does your hand veer towards the potato chips? You may bargain with yourself. You have had such a long day, or exercised that morning or skipped lunch and can afford the calories...right? The truth is, social occasions like a party, can cause you to really overeat. There is a lot of food, there is a lot of variety and there are a lot of distractions which can all lead to overeating. Try a few of these strategies to avoid going overboard at your next event.

1. Don’t go the party hungry
You may have heard this tip a million and one times, but it works. If you know, or even suspect, there may be a plethora of unhealthful food at the party you’re going to- eat first. Eat a hearty snack that includes fiber and protein like a bowl of oatmeal made with skim milk. Even eating a meal is a great idea if you will be at the party for while.

2. Watch the alcohol
Alcohol is a source of empty calories:
White Wine (5 ounce glass)-120 calories
Vodka and Orange Juice (6 ounces) - 150 calories
Gin and Tonic (6 ounces)- calories
Margarita (10 ounces)- 675 calories
Regular Beer (12 ounces)-155 calories

If these numbers shock you, take a look at the serving size. Many of these drinks are smaller than one cup which is 8 ounces. Also, many people are having more than one drink doubling or even tripling the number of empty calories they are taking in. Alcohol can also decrease inhibitions making it harder to resist high calorie foods you may have been able to say “no” to had you not had a drink. Try limiting alcoholic beverages by alternating between alcohol and water, or another nonalcoholic drink.

3. Take a Peek
Take a look at all the foods there are at a party or buffet and choose your two or three absolute favorite foods, and put a small serving on a small plate. This will prevent you from eating several other “lesser quality” foods or from obsessing about what you are denying yourself.

Healthful eating can be part of a realistic lifestyle. You never have to eat the food presented at social gathering. Remind yourself that no food is about to disappear off the face of the earth, you don’t need to eat as if it is your last chance to have a slice of triple fudge cheesecake, it will likely be at the next party too. Ignoring these foods takes will power, and developing stronger will power takes practice. Give some of these techniques a whirl at your next event and see how strong you can become.