10 Tips to an Awesome, Healthy Weekend

It's Friday!! While you may have some plans to relax, you also probably have fun activities planned like swim lesson, soccer games, basketball watch parties, movie date, birthday parties or dinner at a restaurant. 

As I type my blood pressure starts to rise because I know the high fat, sugar, and hard to resist temptations that can fill a weekend. Last week we had friends over to watch a basketball game and our menu consisted of pigs in a blanket, pizza, chicken wings, cheese dip, fruit, veggies. Oh, and need I forget the beer, liquor, pop, cookies and cake! So needless to say there were limited healthy choices. This weekend will likely be the same unless I make some adjustments and have a plan.  

Planning is best, when you are having company, headed to someone else's party or just eating at a restaurant.   You should limit eating out because of the temptations and expense, but when you do have a plan.

1. Schedule your workouts. I sleep in a little longer on the weekend, but still start Saturday and Sunday in the basement with at least a 30 minute workout.  Usually I have an extra 10 minutes that I don't have during the week, so I also include an ab workout in my routine.

2. Have a meal plan. Even though it's the weekend, I usually have the same breakfast and snacks.  Shakeology after the workout and then cottage cheese and fruit around 10:30am or 11am.  Sometimes  my morning snack is later than it would be during the week, but I d
on't skip it....I don't want to be extra hungry at lunch...and staying consistent with small meal every 2-3 hours keeps the metabolism up. 

3. Develop an "I don't have to eat it all!" Mindset. Remind yourself that you don't have to get the most bang for your buck by cleaning your plate. 

4.  Portion control is in. Have a good look at your plate when it arrives. Ask for a to go box and split your meal in half. If there is a buffet get small portions on a plate and stick with that 1 plate rather than returning to the buffet multiple times.  KEEP YOUR GOAL IN MIND.

5. Start green. Start your meal with a salad, without dressing. Use a spritz of lemon or some balsamic vinegar.  When at a restaurant, always ask for the dressing on the side.  Dip your fork in the dressing and then add the salad to your fork.  You'll be amazed the taste is the same and you'll use 90% less dressing!!

6. Satisfy hunger only. Eat for the purpose of satisfying your hunger, but no more.  And leave the food area when at a party.  Standing in the kitchen or bar area will only cause you to snack more...so move another area, away from the food!!

7. Eat Slowly. Practice chewing each mouthful 15-25 times. Sit your fork on your plate as you chew and engage in conversation.  This gives your body a chance to recognize when you are full. 

8. Have activities for kids.  Even if you think there will be games or coloring sheets for the kids, have something extra in your purse.   A book, travel magnet set or travel activity place mat helps to keep the kids occupied while out an about so you don't have to rush through dinner.  And if all else fails and you need 5-10 more minutes, pull out your phone or iPad...no judging here!! 

9. Know the limit. It's best to avoid alcohol because sugar can derail your results and having only 1 drink can be difficult. Try to stick with sparkling water with lemon or lime slices. However, a glass of wine during dinner won't completely spoil all your hard work, but only ONE!!  And follow it up with another tall glass of water!!

10. Smart end choices. Think of your plan to shed those pounds, if you can't resist something sweet head home and enjoy Shakeology chocolate pieces or Shakeology No Bake Cookies.  

Making a plan and sticking to it will help you stay on track toward your goal.  Talk about your fitness challenge with friends and explain what you are working toward.  Even mention it before the party and take some healthy options with you.  You will find most people are interested in what you are doing and will want to help you reach your goals. 

If you are hosting...serve a balance of foods.  This weekend if we host a basketball game watch party, our menu will be slightly adjusted with fruit, veggies, hummus, almonds, peanuts, and Lime Chicken Tacos.  Matt (my husband) always has to have his chips and salsa for UK basketball games...it's his "mojo".  This plan will get us closer to our 80/20 healthy goal...it's not perfect but's it's realistic and a much healthier option than last week! :)