14 Weekend Weight Loss Hacks to Stay on Track and Enjoy the Fun
Title: 14 Hacks to Enjoy Weekend Social Events Without Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Goals
LIFE is for living, and none of us want to be trapped in a cycle of restricting foods and missing out on fun. But, if you’re on a mission to lose weight and shape up, the weekend’s social events could potentially wreck all your fantastic weekday efforts.
Finding it hard to keep on track with your weight loss plans at the weekend? Follow these 14 hacks to navigate weekend social events without compromising your weight loss goals.
After all, many of our weekend plans are based around food and drinks, which can quickly cause our calorie count to creep up. Throw in a hangover, and it’s unlikely you’ll be keen for much exercise. So how can you still enjoy the weekend without it wrecking your weight loss plans?
Dr Aileen Alexander, weight loss expert and founder of Nourish, says: “Losing weight should absolutely not mean you have to become a hermit. “In fact I’d go as far as to say that it would be unhealthy to only eat clean, pre-prepared food or live eating food out of tupperware.
In 1948 The World Health Organisation (WHO) defined health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. “It means if you’re compromising on your social wellbeing to lose weight, you’re not using a healthy approach.”
With that in mind, here are 14 hacks to help you enjoy your weekend drinks, meals, and get-togethers, without sabotaging your weight loss:
1. Exercise beforehand: Start your weekend with a workout to kick off in a healthy way and suppress your appetite.
2. Don’t restrict: Avoid overeating by sticking to healthy balanced meals throughout the day.
3. Put your cutlery down: Practice mindful eating to stop when you’re full and be present in the moment while eating.
4. Protein first: Prioritize protein in your meals to feel full and avoid craving dessert.
5. Food on the move: Pack healthy snacks for on-the-go to avoid high-calorie, non-nutritious options.
6. Sauce on the side: Be mindful of sauces to reduce calorie intake and control portions.
7. A portion is a portion: Stop eating when you’re full and don’t finish a meal just because you paid for it.
8. Don’t double carb: Opt for one carb option instead of doubling up on calories.
9. Share the chips: Split meals with friends to avoid overeating and enjoy the experience.
10. H2O on the table: Stay hydrated to combat thirst and prevent overeating.
11. Starter OR wine OR dessert: Practice moderation and compromise when eating out.
12. Don’t panic over the scales: Understand that weight fluctuations after meals are mostly due to water retention, not fat gain.
13. Stop the people-pleasing: Be honest about your health goals and invite support from loved ones.
14. Ask yourself: Consider how your future self will feel about your food choices and avoid guilt around eating.
By following these 14 hacks, you can still enjoy weekend social events without sabotaging your weight loss goals. Remember, losing weight is a long-term commitment to healthier living, so be mindful of your choices and make empowered, conscious decisions to support your journey.