Watch those season’s eatings. Lavish cocktail parties and dinners and boxes of cookies and sweets… followed by desperate attempts to shed-off gained pounds.

How is it possible to rein in the cravings? Here is how you sail through party after next, without gaining unwanted weight. These 10 commandments will help you avoid weight gain. The 3 keys: attitude, planning and determination.

1. Win at the drinking game.
Savour alcohol in small quantities instead of guzzling down your drinks. Mix your drink with carbonated water to cut back on calories. Alcohol consumption slows down the fat burning capabilities of the body. One gram of fat is 9 calories and alcohol is 7 calories per gram. Too much will inhibit your inhibitions, making you careless about what you eat.

2. Nibble on nuts.
When you drink your body naturally loses salt, which is why you readily reach out for salted peanuts. A couple of handfuls, instead of one fistful can be a cause of concern. Instead, check if pretzels, popcorn or other low-fat savories are available.

3. Divide before you devour.
Don’t desert the dessert, divide it. Pleasure is best when shared. This way your taste buds are satisfied, portion size decreased and calorie intake reduced.

4. Avoid skipping meals before a party.
Don’t starve your self during the day in anticipation of an evening party. If you eat at regular intervals during the day, you are less likely to over-eat at night. The body has an internal clock and the metabolism is regulated by regular cycles. Learn to respect these cycles. When you are fuelled right, it is easier to avoid a feeling of “out-of-control” hunger.

5. Leave something on your plate.
No one believes you’ve eaten enough if your plate is empty. If your plate has a little food you won’t be coaxed to eat more.

6. “Eat” lots of water with your meals.
Eat high water content foods that will fill you up and help you lose weight. Examples are watermelon, oranges, sweet lime, grape fruit, pineapples, tomatoes and cucumber. Starchy vegetables on the other hand, like corn, potatoes are harder to digest than those that contain more water. In addition, drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

7. Take breaks to deep breathe.
Do you binge eat when you are bored, angry or tense? Relax, deep breathe several times. Decide to do something to take your mind off food. This will help you distinguish between actual hunger and eating due to emotional responses.

8. Do not get derailed if you go off track
It is inevitable that even the most determined, get off track occasionally. Just remember, it’s the final goal that’s important. So get back on track as soon as possible. Do not get immobilized with guilt.

9. “Excuse proof” your exercise routine.
Schedule “workout” in your daily planner. Find an exercise trainer or a workout buddy to help you stay committed. Make exercise an important a part of your daily life and write it down so that you are more likely to keep the “appointment”.

10. Reward yourself
Book yourself a relaxing massage or a spa treatment you enjoy. Buy yourself an outfit that looks good on you. Reward your efforts.

Tags: breathing exercise, cardio-vascular exercise, diet, fitness, strength training, weight loss

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am and is filed under Health Update. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.