20-something Group

by mrsshady on May 22, 2012 at 8:17 am

I struggle with this too as my husband eats whatever he feels like (chips, snack cakes, cookies, crackers, etc.). I try to buy healthier snacks such as pretzels , low fat string cheese, fiber granola bars or brownies, almonds, baked chips, etc. so that 1) It is healthier for my hubby and 2) I can have a wide selection of healthy snacks to munch on. I especially like to snack on fruit and veggies (refried beans or hummus with celery, carrots, and bell peppers are a favorite of mine!)
If you eat at restaurants a lot stick to low fat preparations (grilled, broiled, etc.) rather than the meats that are slathered in butter, cheese sauce, etc. Add in a salad (or add protein to it for a main dish) and healthy carb (potato, brown rice, high fiber pasta, etc.) and some veggies to round out the meal.
For special occasions like holidays or birthdays, prepare a couple days in advance by cutting back on calories. If you cut 200 calories each day for 3 days prior to the celebration, you can enjoy a 600 calorie treat practically guilt free! Choose one or two items that you want to splurge on rather than wasting your calories on things that aren't that great (I.E. I would splurge on a piece of chocolate covered cheesecake but would pass on the plain jane cake or splurge on the buffalo chicken dip and pass on the plain old french onion dip)
If you are taking something to the celebration stick to something you love that is healthy so you know there will be at least one thing that you can eat without guilt. Theres lots of ways make "splurge foods" healthier. Swap out full fat cheese, dips, etc. for low or fat free. Swap out plain white bread or pasta for high fiber varieties and choose reduced sugar or no sugar added sweets.
Hope this helps!!! :) Don't forget, its okay to have a cheat day or meal occasionally- as a matter of fact, your body needs that so it doesn't think its in starvation mode. Just remember to get back on track afterwards. Good luck!

by ksnyder46 on May 22, 2012 at 2:10 pm

I hate the whole "cheat day" idea. I started off doing that and I would say, "It's my cheat day" and stuff my face until I couldn't breath. I'd go to a restaurant and order something and eat the whole entire entree because I thought it was the only day I could eat it, and I wasn't going to throw away half of my meal that I paid for.
That being said, on the weekends, just keep it together. Don't panic. If you're going out to eat, do your research on the menu. Find out appx how many calories you'll be eating and just work it into your day like you would the rest of the week. Eat a salad or a cup of vegetable soup before your meal and you'll be able to control the amount that you eat better. This way you can stay around your calorie goal and heck, you get to enjoy the leftovers the next day.
Basically I try to stick to my calorie goal even on the weekends, I just don't pay attention to the nutrition of those calories. It's fine to occasionally overindulge and really just not give a crap what you eat, but I don't consider it an every weekend thing.

by ipmac22 on May 24, 2012 at 8:57 am

A lot of college  town restaurants have pretty good salads. I would check menus before you go to a restaurant and see if you can find salads that are rich in good healthy foods. Most restaurants will customize (no this, none of that, etc) and minimize the dressing as much as you can possibly stand. I've found with a good salad, I don't even need dressing anymore.
 
I visited my cousin in a college town and I work in a college town and I know most restaurants have their menus online so you can go prepared.