Surviving the BIG Weekend!

Article written by Germaine Guzman.

Hooray! The weekend is here! And you have an exciting occasion to go to, or you’re heading out of town to relax and unwind. Worried about what to eat? Unsure of how to survive the weekend? Here’s how you can stay on track….

You’re relieved the week is finally over and you look forward to what’s in store for the weekend. You’ve either been invited to a dinner party or a BBQ and you know there’s going to be plenty of food - enough to feed the whole county! Or perhaps you’ve planned a weekend getaway and just know there will be appetizing restaurants right at your fingertips! The last thing you want to do is jeopardize all the hard work that you’ve put into your weight loss. Or maybe you’re planning on indulging a little, and I emphasize the word little! Regardless of what your decision may be, here are a few scenarios and tips on how you CAN still enjoy your BIG weekend:

Attending a Dinner Party?

Talk to your host and tell them you are wanting to eat healthy. Most likely, they’ll be able to cater for your healthy lifestyle.
Don’t turn up starving. Have a glass of water or a piece of fruit beforehand. This will help fill you up and prevent overeating.
Offer to bring a Tony Ferguson friendly meal or dessert to the party. This way, you’re not missing out and everyone else can enjoy it too!
Consume alcohol in moderation to avoid unwanted calories and sugars.
If carbohydrate foods are the only option, don’t fret. Serve yourself a small portion. That way, you’re not missing out or over indulging.

Invited to a BBQ?

BBQ’s are known for their delectable scents of sizzling beef and pork, chicken and seafood! These selections can be your protein for the day. Ensure it is close to palm sized and top up the rest of your plate with plenty of green salads or grilled vegetables. Beware the barbecue sauce as it contains unwanted sugars.
Although a favorite, avoid creamy rich salads such as coleslaws and potato salads. Bring along your favorite salad dressing or opt for vinegar to dress your salad with.
If spending time in the sun, keep a large glass of water in your hand to keep you well hydrated. Water will also help keep you full and help prevent you from overeating.
For a healthy dessert option, fresh fruit salad is not only good for you but also refreshing. If not available, you could offer to bring a fruit platter.
BBQ’s often involve the enjoyment of a few alcoholic beverages! Try to avoid beer (including the low carb varieties) and have a fresh cocktail with spirits and diet mixers or a glass of red or white wine instead.

Escaping for the Weekend?

Make sure you’re stocked up on Tony Ferguson products for your journey. This includes meal replacements, treats, sugar-free candy etc.
When dining at restaurants:

Have a glass of water or a piece of fruit before you go out. This will help minimize overeating!
Be mindful of portion sizes. Restaurants tend to serve large main meals, so share your main or opt for 2 entrees or a salad.
If there’s too much food, don’t be tempted to eat it all. Doggy bag it!
Avoid rich sauces based on cream, cheese and butter. Instead, choose pepper, herb, spice or tomato based sauces.
Ask for sauces and dressings to be served separately. This way, you have control of how much you add. Lemon or vinegar are great dressings for salads and are virtually calorie free!
Avoid carbohydrate rich foods like breads, rice, pasta and potatoes. If you cannot resist, choose wholegrain breads, whole wheat pasta or brown rice and only have a very small portion size or share.
Opt for healthier dessert options such as a fresh fruit platter or a non fat cappuccino or skinny latte. Still tempted for that chocolate brownie? Sharing is caring!

So remember, no matter what the situation is, you can still have fun and enjoy yourself on the weekend. The key is to be mindful of food choices and portion sizes. Even if you have a small slip up, no need to worry. Tomorrow is a brand new day!

Last updated 17 June 2009