Shudder at the thought of a Monday morning weigh-in? Don’t let your weekends’ R&R get the better of your healthy diet, exercise routine and weight loss goals.
Here’s how to remain consistent, without spoiling your fun:
1. Don’t starve.
Not eating or eat very little during the day is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make. The idea of ‘saving for later’ is likely to backfire because not only are you messing with your metabolism, but that chronic hunger will eventually lead to you binge-eating by the time evening strikes.
2. Limit your alcohol consumption.
Or at least opt for waist-friendly concoctions without the fizz. Replace gassy, high-sugar mixers with kilojoule-friendly ice tea or water, and curb yourself to one or two drinks max.
3. Keep busy.
Boredom is the root of mindless eating so if you’re bouncing with energy rather get up, get done and get out of the house as early as possible. Not in the mood? That’s okay. Keep your mind active by reading a book, doing puzzles or watching a movie.
4. Take your time.
When you eat, don’t eat in a hurry. Savour the moment. Remember that it takes your brain roughly 20 minutes to realize that the tank is no longer on empty, so slow it down.
5. At a restaurant, halve it.
If the portions are enormous, then split your meal and share it with a friend or take the rest home with you. The problem with eating out is not so much about the food we choose, but rather the size of it, coupled with our tendency to eat whatever is in front of us.