Cocktail parties, fundraisers, Friday night drinks, birthday dinners, there is no denying that social events revolving around food and drink are inevitable. This can be fun for your social life and tummy but not so fun for your liver, waistline or goals. The good news is there are some simple strategies to help you stay on track when you have no choice but to release your inner social butterfly. 1. Make yourself accountable. If you’re going to an event with a friend- ask them to help keep you on track or tell them that you’re going to stick to your guns. Having someone to hold you accountable increases the likelihood that you will do what you have set out to. If you’re going solo, why not commit to a morning workout with a friend for the next day? You’re more likely to head home early to get some zzz’s if you know you’ve got an early morning sweat session. 2. Doesn’t go starving. Have you ever gone to the supermarket hungry and come home with enough food to feed a small village? The same goes with going out on an empty stomach. You’re more likely to overdo it on the canapes if your stomach is rumbling. Have a light snack (or even a healthy dinner) before you go out to avoid grabbing the first fried delicacy that catches your eye. I love snacking on these Caprese Rice Cakes before I head out. 3. Assess your options. Nowadays there are more and more healthy options available. Whether I’m at a hotel buffet, a parents night, a wedding or a work event- I always do a big lap of the venue to suss out all the food options. This means I can make a much more educated choice before I stuff my face with those damn delicious mini burgers. 4. Pick your poison wisely. All calories aren’t created equal and this rings true for alcoholic beverages. Clear spirits with sparkling or mineral water are your best option. Make sure you always stay hydrated by alternating each alcohol beverage with some good old fashioned h20. 5. Remember the importance of sleep. Sleep should never be underestimated when you want to achieve your health and fitness goals. Adequate sleep is central to having enough energy for our busy lives and to bring the best of ourselves to our work and our relationships. You’re less likely to snooze your alarm if you’ve had enough sleep. 6. Ask yourself if it’s worth it At the end of the day you need to ask yourself if its worth it. Is it truly a special occasion or just another stock standard night out? Some events are worth going all out for and one night out won’t undo all your hard work so long as you get back to your healthy habits the next morning. In reality, too many of us use any event on the social calendar as an excuse to let our self-control fall to the wayside. Pick & choose your events wisely because what goes in must be burnt off to keep weight gain at bay.
