Mom, Dad, Lauren and Cory at a beachside dinner in Destin, FL
Summer. Ahh. We tend to think of sitting poolside with a good book, a cool drink, gorgeous weather, and of course-the summer vacays. Whether you're headed off to Hawaii to catch some surf, a cruise to The Keys or on a cross-country road trip to see your family (thanks to my family for coming to beautiful Kansas!), you're going to find yourself tasting far more delicious cuisine and exercising less. With too many fascinating places to eat, interesting local fair and refreshing cocktails, it is easy to see how after a week or two those new summer clothes aren't fitting the same as they were when you first purchased them. So what do you do when the very meaning of vacation usually equates to sitting back, relaxing and not concerning yourself with anything including the delicious crab stuffed mushrooms that you just ate as your appetizer? Here's some tips on how to keep your head in the game but still have the time of your life:
THINK PORTIONS
Because there are so many places you want to try think this thought: the less you eat, the more places you can add to your list! Stop thinking that you have to try everything on the menu and stick to the appetizer list when you know you'll be eating out several times a day. Also, stick to a salad size plate, not a dinner plate. You can still try something local and exciting but not in a portion that is going to expand your waistline. Stick to the 'fresher' items and avoid the fried, heavy appetizers that sometimes have more calories than a typical dinner serving.
TALK MORE
Sound crazy? It's not! Do you ever find yourself sitting down to a meal and not 'coming up for a breath of air'? Or when the food comes out to the table at a restaurant and the entire table is quiet as everyone sits and consumes whats in front of them forgetting about the small talk? Remind yourself to keep conversing. It's a surefire way to not only continue the conversation with less awkward silences but to also avoid overindulging.
SHARING IS CARING
Ever notice the size of the meal that typically makes its entrance in front of your face at any restaurant? I mean really have you sat and analyzed how all of that food could possibly fit into your stomach? It can't and shouldn't! If you have a partner or friend with you at dinner consider splitting. Not only will you be eating literally half the calories, but you won't feel guilty for leaving anything that you didn't want on your plate because your meal is now half the cost. This way, if you are deciding to order that entree, you still can have a split appetizer and maybe even a split dessert without staring at the enormous portions of food sitting in front of your screaming 'eat me'.
CONSIDER IT PAID FOR
My philosophy is this: the minute you begin eating your meal, you've already paid for it whether you eat one bite or all of it. Do yourself and your stomach a favor by pushing the plate away when you begin to feel full. Trust me on this one-the guilt from finishing it all will weigh far more heavy than the guilt of just leaving it on the table.
DRINK SMART
If you're going to have a couple of alcoholic drinks during the day or evening, make sure you track just exactly what you are consuming. Order fresh-meaning avoid drinks with sugary syrups or those that come in a pitcher all to your self. Mix club soda or tonic water with a favorite fruit flavored liquor. Rather than a whole glass of wine, try a wine spritzer. With the focus on 'drinking' healthy, some bartenders have become masters at concocting their own special healthy drinks so be sure to ask what they recommend. If you feel the need to indulge yourself with one of the pina coladas in an island coconut, have one, then stop. You'll not only wake up feeling more coherent but you'll also avoid a liquid calorie binge!
WATER HYDRATES THE SOUL
Keep yourself cool during the summer months by staying away from the sweet drinks (as well as breaking from the alcoholic beverages) and getting back to the basics-give an ice cold glass of refreshing water a shot. Spice it up with some fruit such as a slice of lemon or even some peaches or strawberries for some added flavor-your server will more than likely be happy to add this to your glass. And just think, not an ounce of guilt for downing as many glasses as you please. So go ahead, have another- I dare you.
No comments:
Post a Comment