Losing Weight and Feeling Great

It’s a holiday weekend coming up and what’s it going to do for your diet?  Instead of saying, "the heck with it" and binging, try moderating yourself.  Here’s what I mean.

You don’t have to restrict your foods, so much as make the best choices.  Pick vegetable salads over potato salad; grilled chicken over hot dogs.  Drink lots of water, and try to limit beer and soda.

What if you know you’ll be faced with only bad choices at a get-together?  Ask if you can bring something to share, then bring something healthy.

Sure, if you are really craving it, have a few forkfuls of your favorite food or two — you don’t have to totally deny yourself.  Just don’t heap your plate with foods that you know you have a problem with!

And dessert…what to do?  Again, don’t deny yourself (unless you have the willpower).  Instead, choose a small portion of your favorite and really savor the mouthfuls.

No one expects you to diet 365 days a year.  But don’t let your occasional "day off" be an excuse for starting a binge.  Eat smart 90% of the time, and you can enjoy yourself all the more during that 10%!  And surprisingly, once you’re eating healthily 90% of the time, you won’t want to eat nearly as much during those 10% times!  Success all around, wouldn’t you say?

Have a great 4th of July weekend and stay safe, wherever you are!