Weekend fun and weight loss don’t typically go hand in hand. Hopefully these tips will help keep you on track so that you can carry the healthy momentum into the following week.
The weekend is a great time to relax and regroup before the next work week, but often weekends are seen as a time to indulge and let loose. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to throw back a few and down some chips and dip, but the mindset behind indulgent behavior can destroy all the hard work put in to shedding the pounds.
We all want to enjoy ourselves, but why not decide that this coming weekend will be different. I have a few tips for eating healthy that you can implement.
No. 1 – Shift your Mindset
It ALL starts with mindset. If you go into your weekend with the mindset that you’re going to indulge and that you earned it… then you will have little to no self control. When you find yourself trying to justify the indulgences, take an emotional step back, and remind yourself that you are worth putting good nutritious food in your body. This doesn’t mean that you never reward yourself or let yourself have some chocolate, it means that when you DO indulge, you do it with different intent.
If you find you’re having a strong craving for something in particular, my first recommendation is to write it down… that might seem strange. But research has shown that if you write down the craving, most times it removes it. If that doesn’t work, drink a large glass of water and maybe go for a walk. I like to get outside and get some fresh air!
No. 2 – Limit Alcohol Consumption
This may seem like a tough tip, especially if your a heavy social drinker, but if you want to slow down your weight loss, drink alcohol. It’s all added calories with extra sugar and it not only can add to your waistline but also diminishes your ability to make healthy food choices.
Alcohol has tons of hidden calories, slows your metabolism, leaves you feeling bloated, and decreases judgement so you end up not making the best decisions… (on potentially many levels LOL)
It will slow your metabolism, something you don’t want either, and will leave you feeling bloated and puffy the next day. For this weekend just pass on the alcohol. Instead you can try a sparkling water with an added lemon or lime wedge so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the party.
No. 3 – Start Late and Finish Early
Another thing you can change this weekend is when you eat. I like to switch it up sometimes and start eating late, like around 11AM, and finish eating early, around 7PM. This is called Intermittent Fasting. This gets me out of my routine and often helps me off my plateau. Ending early also helps me wind down extra early which gets me to bed earlier for some added sleep. If you’re having a low-key weekend why not change it up and see how your body responds. If you want more info on how to do this, check out these podcasts >>
8 Hour Ab Diet https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/8-hour-ab-diet-intermittent/id911042029?i=342887239&mt=2
Intermittent Fasting, Flexible Dieting and Macros https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/intermittent-fasting-flexible/id911042029?i=340159914&mt=2
No. 4 – Avoid Restaurants
I know some of you may not be happy with this tip, but it will help you not only save money but also save on calories. Eating out is almost a guarantee for overeating so stay home this weekend. There are plenty of other ways to be social, and you have the perfect excuse for trying those new recipes you’ve been saving. If your family, friends, or significant other isn’t too impressed with your choice, find a non-food related way to make it up to them.
No. 5 – BYOF: Bring Your Own Food
Is there an event this weekend you can’t pass on? If so, a good idea is to bring your own food. I know this isn’t always an option but if you can do it, go for it. That way you can control what you eat and how much, and you won’t be tempted to dip into the dessert table or grab just a handful of something.
I do this all the time, and with NO shame! Your health is YOUR priority and if people want to judge you for that, that’s their problem no yours. So do what is best for you!
No. 6 – Add Raw Veggies
This last tip is a great way to start every meal with a healthy option. Having one cup of raw veggies will increase your fiber intake, which will help you feel full earlier in your meals. Eating vegetables before a meal will help reduce your overall calorie intake by at least 200 calories, since you filled up on veggies first there may not be room for all that tempting stuff like dessert.
I hope this post is helpful in getting you ready to take on the weekend with a healthy mindset! I love ya! You got this!
I love this! Such helpful tips.