4th of July Tips & Motivation

[becka]

OK everyone the 4th of July is almost upon us and with that comes lots of good but fattening, bad for us food. Anyone have any tips to share, some ideas on how they plan to deal with the extra temptation or even any words of motivation or encouragement?

We will be travelling and there will be no end to the amount of food temptations I will have to deal with over the next week. My plan so far is to:

1) Continue to drink lots water. In fact I think I am going to try to keep a plastic bottle full of water with me at all times.
2) Take a walk at least every other day around my parents neighborhood just to stay a little active since I won't be bringing my WATP videos with me.
3) Fill my plate up only once at the big 4th of July picnic. I will sample what I want to eat but I will NOT go back for seconds.
4) I will allow myself only one small dessert per day and I will try to make it a smarter choice than I would have a few months ago.
5) I will enjoy the holiday and being with my family and friends knowing that I am strong enough to do this and knowing that next 4th of July I will be stronger, healthier and much thinner.

 

[disneychrista]

I think the most important thing is to look at the big picture. I think your plan is very reasonable. You are allowing yourself to enjoy the time with your family without going over board.

We have relative that will be here this week, which always means going out to dinner, BBQ's and lots of food. I will allow myself to eat small portions of my favorites and fill up on the healthy veggies/salad's. I will make sure to keep up with my exercise.

 

[MJMouse]

Becka --

Looks like you are on the right track. It helps me SOOO much to have a plan of attack before I go somewhere -- I even look-up restaurant menus (if available) before I go so I know what I want before I get there.

I went to NYC two weeks ago and this was my vacation diet plan. It worked for me (even managed to lose a pound that week):

1. Absolutely no sugary or alcoholic drinks -- water, unsweet tea, and diet cola for me.
2. Breakfast must be HEALTHY and low cal. -- preferably including a whole grain (although I did break this one morning for a hot NY bagel )
3. I will have grilled chicken on salad w/ oil and vinegar type dressing (or equiv) for either lunch or dinner each day.
4. I will pass up the bread plate at least once a day.
5. I will "splurge" on something each day so I don't feel deprived.
6. I will not count calories while I am away, but I will make the healthiest choice available.

For picnics and other potluck type activities, I usually volunteer to help set the food out. This gives me a chance to scope out what is available. I look for the three "healthiest" or most on my eating plan items and try to fill up 3/4 of my plate with those items (fruit, veggies minus the dip, salads with non-creamy dressings, etc). Then the last quarter is for the thing(s) that is most tempting on the table. As for the "other" stuff (for me that's macaroni salad, potato salad, and the like), if I don't love it, I just skip it. (Also, this works really well for those darn buffets that my co-workers seem to favor.)

Good luck and stay strong! Remember maintaining your current weight is a valiant goal when faced with a bunch of temptations.

 

[ohMom]

thanks Becka!

fortunately i only have one BBQ on the plans this week, but i'm going to stick to the No seconds rule and limit myself to 2 beers lite beers

i may skip the meat too and just fill my plate with the healthies options i can

 

[Harvest02]

We are going to a block party where everyone brings something. It is always tempting looking at all the good and fattening food!!! We have to bring a side dish, so I am making a green bean casserole. It is the recipe from Aimees Adventures. If you have not checked out this website, it is AWESOME!!! She has done several cookbooks, with the points included for every recipe! Basically, the green bean casserole is the same as the original, but instead of french fried onions, you use real ones. It is only 1 pt. for 1/2 cup. At least I know I can eat that!!! Someone always brings fresh fruit too, so I am going to stick with that! I have to WI tomorrow at WW, so I will have to try my best today. Knowing that I have to WI will keep me on the right track today, I think. Good luck to everyone struggling with yet another holiday and LOTS of food!!! We can do it!!!

 

[slduck]

I am on my way to a BBQ soon. I was just thinking about this same thing. Since we are eating so late, I ate a big healthy salad and some grilled meat before going. That way I won't be starved. When I have to chase two kids around and try to eat, I only eat the junk.

My biggest advice to myself is .....PUT DOWN THAT GOOEY BUTTER CAKE