Have you ever turned down a social invitation for fear of sabotaging your weight loss? Even worse, do you avoid spending time with friends because you are afraid they will sabotage your efforts?
This doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. Most people tend to overindulge in social events—you’re only human.
Surprisngly, the people close to you are most likely to try to sabotage your weight loss. According to a Stanford University study, more than 75 percent of women trying to lose weight don’t get support from family and friends.
In fact, you should be wary of friends who say things like “If you are not having dessert, I won’t either” or “Eat this, you are fine the way you are”. They are trying to sabotage your efforts!
Unfortunately, avoiding friends and social events to lose weight is not a sustainable plan. Use the strategies below to lose weight without sabotaging your social life.
1. Try social events involving exercise
Socializing doesn’t necessarily mean indulging in treats and drinks in parties. You can spend time with family and friends doing activities that enhance weight loss.
You could play an adult league of softball or dodgeball. Or go for long walks on the weekends. Or play volleyball as you barbecue.
If your friends don’t want to do these things, search for people online who are interested in such activities. Remember that most people trying to lose weight get more support from support groups than from family and friends, according to research.
2. Eat before going to the event
One of the worst things you can do is skip meals before a party or event. If you show up hungry, chances are you’ll overindulge in snacks and treats.
The best approach is to eat a filling meal before going to an event. You will have more control over what you eat if you are full.
You may also want to remind yourself that being uncomfortably full at social events spoils the fun.
3. Don’t try every treat
Did you know that people who lose weight and keep it off don’t eat a wide variety of foods? In fact, research shows that people consume more calories when they eat a wider variety of foods.
Don’t try to sample every dish being served. Stick to the foods you love, and don’t succumb to the pressure of trying every treat your friends love.
Practicing mindful eating at parties can make a huge difference. Sit down and focus on the food on your plate.
4. Your goal should be to socialize, not eat
If you are afraid of going to parties while trying to lose weight, you are probably focusing on the food instead of your friends.
You will have a lot more fun if you shift your focus to the people at the party. You can even set a goal of making a new friend in every social event you attend.
5. Stick to low-calorie alcoholic drinks or skip drinking
You need to plan how you will handle alcohol before you go to the event. Failure to do so can lead to excessive calorie intake and some embarrassing moments.
The truth is drinking alcohol for one day won’t sabotage your efforts. But it’s worth noting that being drunk can lead to poor diet choices that can have a bigger impact on your weight loss. Plus having a hangover the next day can force you to skip your workout.
If you choose to drink, opt for low-calorie drinks and drink in moderation.
6. Don’t stand or sit near the food
Standing or sitting near the food can trigger your cravings. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends to move to another spot where you are not exposed to food.
7. Be the first person to order
Your friends can make you eat unhealthy meals even without talking you into it. If everyone around you orders junk food, chances are you will eat junk, too.
You can avoid this by being the first to order food at restaurants. If you order healthy food, you are less likely to change your mind no matter what your friends order.
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