Birthday parties, happy hours, champagne brunches, and nights out with the girls are all occasions I used to really fear, both during and after my weight loss. I would get caught up in the festivities and always overindulged when I was in good company. I’d then spend the next day feeling miserable and disappointed in myself.
After a little trial and error, I’ve learned that social settings don’t have to show up on the scale. Last weekend my husband and I hosted a wine-tasting party for a handful of friends. Here’s how I kept it healthy and had fun.
Be a food snob
When it comes to higher-calorie party food, my rule is this: If I can make it myself, I don’t try it if it’s not healthy. Everyone chipped in and brought something and when I saw the amazing cornflake cookies my sister made, I knew I had to indulge a little. I stuck with mostly healthy fare—crudités, olives, cheese, and whole-grain crackers. Then I didn’t feel bad having a few cornflake cookies!
Use a plate
I always prepare a small plate of food for myself instead of snacking all night on appetizers. It provides me with a visual aid of how much I am eating. It’s easy for me to lose track of small bites here and there—over the course of my wine tasting, I could have easily eaten a bunch of burger bites without even realizing, so my plate system really works for me. I can always go back for a refill if I am still hungry.
Survey the scene
I take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the event instead of making a beeline for the bar. I get a feel for the room, preview the food spread and passed appetizers, and take a peak at the cocktail list before selecting anything to eat or drink. I know if I peck at the first plate of food I see, I’m only setting myself up for disaster. Instead I take a moment to figure out what I really want, and ultimately make healthier choices for myself.
Think before you drink
I like to enjoy a cocktail or two, but once I’ve had a couple of drinks I find it difficult to turn down a third or fourth glass. And, of course, alcohol also lowers my inhibitions about eating high-calorie foods. Before the night begins, I determine how many cocktails I will have and stick to that number. Toward the end of the evening a bunch of my friends—and my husband too—all cracked open some beers, but I continued to nurse my last glass of wine.
Having healthy friends helps, but my pals aren’t exactly the picture of perfect eating! I still had a ton of fun at our party and woke up feeling good about my food the next morning. What are your tricks for staying healthy but still enjoying yourself?
Read Tina’s daily food and fitness blog, Carrots ‘N’ Cake
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Comments (10)
Just got back from one week in Hawaii. Lost 2 lbs with normal walking around. Ate 2 regular meals for a week. Now I am eating light coleslaw, raw carrots, low sodium turkey and plan to continue eating light and drinking green tea and water for 3 more days. Anticipating a total weight loss of 5 lbs.
cornflake cookies, hummm…since we use 1 1/2 c of butter – try the same recipe with potato chips instead of cornflakes, to die for!
I have been on yo-yo diet after yo-yo diet. For the past four weeks I have been working out like crazy and limiting my food and alcohol intake. I used to drink a 6 pk a beer myself at parties, but have been sticking to a glass or two of white wine. My scale just doesn’t seem to be moving backwards. Any advice or tips would be appreciated! I’m on the verge of saying to heck with it I’m supposed to be fat.
Crystal, if you are working out hard and limiting your food too much, your body may be in “famine mode” and slowing down your metabolism to conserve calories. Be sure you are eating enough! Also, for me, eating three small meals and three (healthy) snacks each day works best. DO NOT GIVE UP! Do more research and be sure you are providing your body with what it needs. Good luck.
Like Tina I am a RFP (recovering fat person) and will be for the rest of my life. Miller Genuine Draft makes a 64 calorie beer that I enjoy at parties (and home watching movies with my husband) Beer seems less strong (for me anyway) so I can keep my food desires in check. I lost 60 pounds 2 years ago and have kept it off doing many of these same things. There’s more at http://www.KittyStallings.com along with recipes that are as low in fat and calories as I could make them. I have someone I call “Fat Kitty” who is always tempting me with food (and drink) treats. She’s quite the character and always hungry.
I agree with the plate idea, i too will do that.
Love the idea with the plates. You are right
by picking all night you may end up eating more than
you think. I always try to limit the number of drinks
I will have, as well as, usually sticking to white
or red wines. If I splurge and have a fruity or fattening drink (this is very rare) I will limit my drinks to two.
I’m the same way about drinking now. I use to go to the bar ALL the time which leads to greasy spoon diner eating afterwards. I’ve realized that I can still have fun without drinking! :)
I like the plate idea. I’m going to start doing that!
I love your food snob tip! I use a similar one, in that I try not to eat anything that wasn’t homemade because I could go buy it myself. Parties should be special occasions and if there’s nothing special about a particular food or drink, I don’t bother.