Summer can mean an endless parade of social events. Picnics, barbecues, weddings, and parties can be fun sociable events, but can sometimes derail your progress. We’ve put together some top tips to help your survive the summer party season.
If you’re having people over...
Opt for an international menu that naturally caters to healthy-eaters. Think Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Make your side dishes sing! Create a variety of irresistible low SmartPoints side options using interesting, brightly coloured vegetables in new ways – it will make eating healthily even more delicious. Find lots of ideas in our latest recipes.
Make an impressive bowl of ‘mocktail’ punch. Pack it full of tempting ingredients, such as exotic fruit juices mixed with sugar-free lemonade or sparkling water, and invite guests to help themselves. Drinkers can add a splash of vodka or rum to their glass, if they like.
If you’re visiting friends...
Have a plan. If you don’t have control over what you’ll be eating out, that’s okay. You should still eat what you like, just be mindful of portion sizes.
Try not to eat with a direct view of the buffet table and, if possible, sit down. Standing up can make you scarf down your food just so you don’t have to carry the plate. Eating slowly means you’ll register the smells and flavours more and feel satisfied faster, so you’ll eat less food.
If you’re going out...
Before you head out, look up the restaurant’s menu online. That way, you can choose what you want to eat (and even track it) in advance. You’re less likely to be swayed by what everyone else is ordering when you get there.
Make room for leftovers. For example, if you’re at an Italian restaurant and really want the creamy pasta, order it – but ask for a half portion, or take half home with you. Leftovers are the best part of eating out, right?
Be mindful of alcohol. Try drinking a large glass of water before having an alcoholic drink. It will help to keep you hydrated and can stop you from drinking quickly.
Get snap-happy. As the evening progresses, take on a role, such as photographer or games master – it’s a sociable way to pass the time and will be a fun distraction, too.
And if you overindulge? Don’t stress! It’s important to relax and enjoy special occasions. A treat every so often makes it easy to stay motivated to carry on being healthy for life, just make a plan to get back on track tomorrow!