How to Eat at a Party when on a Strict Diet

Опубликовал Admin
24-07-2021, 23:00
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It can be hard to attend parties when you're on a strict diet You may be worried there won't be anything at the party you can eat, or that you will get off-track by giving in to temptation, but if you make careful choices and eat less overall, this may help. Look for foods that match your diet plan and find substitutes for forbidden foods. For example, satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit instead of a slice of cake. Eat less by filling up on water and taking tiny portions. Avoid bad habits, like starving yourself prior to a party, as these may backfire and cause you to overeat.

Choosing Healthy Foods

  1. Find substitutes. If you're not allowed even small indulgences, see if you can find substitutes to satisfy your cravings. Think about what you want to eat and how you can get it from healthy foods that adhere to your diet's rules.
    • For example, if you crave some of the cookies sitting out, try having some fruit instead. If you're eyeing the tortilla chips and dip, try whole wheat crackers with hummus instead.
    • It can help to see if your diet has any suggestions for substitutes. Diet plans often lists suggestions online of food to substitute for your favorite dishes. You can also talk to your doctor if they're supervising your diet.
  2. Bring your own food. If at all possible, bring your own food to a party. You can bring a dish that adheres to your diet to share. This way, you can make sure there is something for you to eat even if other party goods are off limits. Other guests may also appreciate there being a healthy food option.
    • Make sure you check with the host first. You do not want to look rude by bringing your own dish.
  3. Choose healthier dips. Dips can contain a lot of calories, fat, and sugar. If you're on a strict diet, many dips may be off limits; however, salsas and guacamole dips tend to be healthier and they're mostly made with fruits and vegetables. When selecting dips, go for these options over things like sugary yogurt dips or cheese dips.
    • You may want to ask about ingredients first to make sure you do not consume any food that your diet forbids. Guacamole, for example, is sometimes made with sour cream and may not be a good option if you're trying to avoid dairy.
    • Go for healthier chip and cracker choices. See if the host has provided things like whole wheat crackers to snack on. You can also try dipping fruits and vegetables instead of chips or bread.
  4. Look for fruits and vegetables. Many parties provide a snack tray stocked with fruits and vegetables. As most diet plans allow plenty of fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack, try filling your plate with fruits and vegetables first. Filling up on healthy fruits and veggies may make you less likely to snack on less healthy options later in the night.
    • Remember to be mindful if the fruits and veggies are served with dip — you may need to skip it.
  5. Opt for lean proteins. If your diet allows meat, look for leaner options. Your best options are usually things like poultry and fish.
    • Seafood is a popular snack item at many parties. See if you can find foods like shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, or sushi. Sushi is an especially good option, as it often contains healthy carbs, fruits, and vegetables in addition to protein.
    • See if you can find lean poultry. For example, chicken kabobs can be an easy, low-fat choice.
  6. Allow yourself some of the foods you love. Diets can benefit from a small amount of wiggle room. If you're allowed to cheat on occasion, do so at a party. This way, you will not feel left out at a social event. Have one small piece cake or go for a small cookie or piece of candy.

Eating Less at Parties

  1. Drink water. Water can help make you feel full. If you drink water throughout the night, and before a party, you're less likely to overeat. Have a glass of water on hand at all times. You should also drink a glass of water before leaving for a party.
    • See if the party has things like flavored seltzer water. You can also try adding fruit to a glass of water.
  2. Avoid the snack table. If you are at a party with buffet-style dining or snack tables, make sure you stand away from the food. If possible, you may even want to stay in another room. People tend to congregate and linger around the food tables at events, so make an effort to step away and keep your back to the table. This way you won't be staring at the food all night, thinking about what you can't eat and maybe talking yourself into having something you shouldn't eat.
    • If it's a sit down dinner, try to excuse yourself before dessert is served to avoid temptation, and instead move around to chat with people at other tables. Or, if this is not an option, simply say you do not wish to be served dessert.
  3. Choose smaller plates. Pick the smallest plate offered when filling up at the buffet. If you have less room, you will not be able to fit as much food on your plate. You will not have room for indulgent items that will sabotage your diet.
    • Downsizing your plate has a psychological effect. If you eat off of a smaller plate, you feel like you're eating a lot. This helps you feel full and satisfied quicker.
  4. Take small sips and bites. Be aware of not only what you're eating, but how you're eating. Tiny sips and bites will force you to eat and drink slower. You will follow your body's cues better and notice when you feel full. Then you can stop eating when you've had enough food, rather than mindlessly snacking.
    • Be sure to chew your food slowly as well and sip water in between bites.
    • Some people find setting utensils down between bites helps slow their eating.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

  1. Watch your alcohol calories. If your diet does not have specific requirements regarding alcohol, it may be easy to slip up with drink consumption. Remember, alcohol is high in calories and can also contain things like sugar, carbs, and fat. Make sure to be aware of whether alcohol fits into your diet and avoid over-indulging on alcoholic beverages.
    • Drink in moderation. Stick to one to two drinks (12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz liquor).
    • Opt for drinks that are lower in added calories, fat, and carbs. Go for options like red wine and spirits mixed with zero-calorie mixers.
  2. Sleep well before parties. You may not realize your sleep habits can affect your eating habits. While the precise cause is unclear, you're more likely to eat higher calorie, higher fat foods when you're tired. Make sure to get a full night's sleep in before any party.
  3. Do not go hungry before a party. Many people feel it makes sense to avoid eating throughout the day before a party since they expect to overeat; however, you're actually much more likely to overindulge if you're hungry. Eat regular meals throughout the day so you don't go to the party starved.
    • It may be helpful to eat a little before the party to ensure you won't be hungry.
    • If you are strictly counting calories, reduce the portion size of regular meals instead of skipping meals altogether.
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