Multiply meals, shrink portions
Eat small meals. Your body needs only a few calories for energy and metabolism. If you eat at regular intervals, you are less likely to overeat at night. When going to a party, offer to bring a healthy, diet-friendly
dish. Your host or hostess will appreciate your contribution and you can enjoy the food. Enjoy a big, healthy salad before the meal.
Have lots of water with meals
Drink lots of water – at least eight to ten glasses of water – instead of sodas or mixed drinks as this will help you feel less hungry and thirsty. Eat high water content foods like cucumbers and tomatoes that will
fill you up and help you lose weight. Avoid standing near refreshments because it is too easy to indulge a few times without considering the fat and calories.
Cut down portion sizes
Control your portions. Small plates are a big help with portion control. If salad plates are available, make them your choice instead of a dinner-sized plate. Look at the available choices, hold the plate for a long
time and nibble healthy foods like vegetables and fruits.
Divide before you devour
It is not always what you eat, but how you eat. Pleasure is best when shared. This way your taste buds are satisfied, portion size decreased and calorie intake reduced. Eat so that you enjoy each bite.
Focus on socialisation
While partying, focus on friendship and socialising rather than food. Fill the evening with conversation and meaningful interactions. Walking around and visiting with other guests is a benefit for dieters. If friends
are pressurising you to indulge, the best way to respond is to be firm and positive. Rather than saying you can’t or shouldn’t have, say you aren’t hungry and that it’s not your favourite. They can’t argue with
that.
Schedule your exercise routine
Plan a workout in your daily planner. Make exercise an important part of your daily life and write it down so that you are more likely to maintain the schedule. Find an exercise trainer or a workout partner to help
you stay committed.
Separate food from television
Eating, napping, channel surfing. If these consume most of your leisure hours, you will end up gaining weight. Make healthy and light food choices to manage weight. Choose egg whites instead of the whole egg, whole-grain
instead of refined products, skim milk, instead of whole milk etc.
Take breaks to deep breathe
Do you binge eat when you are bored, angry or tense? If this happens, decide to do something to take your mind off food. Relax and deep breathe several times. This will help you distinguish between actual hunger and
eating due to emotional responses.
Reward yourself
Book yourself a relaxing massage/foot massage you enjoy or buy yourself an outfit that looks good on you. The key to staying happy during your weight loss journey is to reward all your efforts. This will help you stick
to your fitness regimen and will help you when you go off-track.
