Handling Parties!

The 4th of July, like any other holiday, brings people together, usually along with lots of food! It can be challenging sometimes to stay on track during these occasions of potential indulgences. How you handle these occasions, primarily in the way you think about them, can make all the difference in keeping you on track with your goals.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and cheesecake! Boy, these foods are tasty! However, if you weren't planning to eat them, then you may want to steer clear. Foods with low or no nutritional value can very well be a part of your plan if you allow yourself the freedom to eat it. You can balance the calories out with the rest of your diet and exercise plan. However, the key to this is PLAN!

In regards to weight loss, the body's main concern is deciding if it has enough energy to keep going or if it needs to pull from it's reserves (fat). If you give it cheesecake for dinner and you were running a little low that day on calories, then this may not be something that will get you completely of course. However, it's the going over and above what your body needs that is going to put the weight on.

Also, for some people who are trying to lose weight, unintentionally eating desserts and high fatty foods may spawn negative thoughts that tell you to quit your plan and forget about this whole ordeal all together! If this happens, remember that this is not an "all or nothing" process. If you eat more than you wanted to at the party, cut yourself some slack. Your weight loss progress doesn't end with one party. Get back on track the next day and move forward!

In the same vain, don't go into a party thinking that you can make up for whatever you stuff down your throat. This just creates way too much stress in your life and sets you up for potential binge eating disorders. It's about being reasonable with yourself, having a plan and remembering your goals.

Here are some tips to remember before your next party:

• Don't go to a party hungry! (you hear it all the time, now you just need to do it! :)
• Try to eat plenty of foods that are high in protein and low in fat
• Drink 2 cups of water every hour that you are there
• Try to mingle away from all of the food (if possible)
• Have fun and be active! Play games that involve exercise (volleyball, soccer, badminton, etc)
• Bring a few dinner appetizers that fit your plan

The main goal is to have fun with your friends and family during parties, so do it! Remember, food does not equal fun!

"They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." Matthew 14:20 (New International Version)