1. Try not to be hungry before you go, as this may make yourself want a more carbohydrate or fatty based meal you do not need to order.
2. Starters are a great way to stop you rushing your main and not digesting your food properly, but be careful! Starters maybe small but can contain properties you do not want to be eating. Try ordering soup, not creamy but a vegetable based option.If you are not hungry skip the starter and go straight for the main.
3. Top things to avoid!
- Anything fried
- Dressings, butter and cream etc. (ask for them on the side so you know how much you are going to eat)
- Look for the vegetables, dishes with vegetable will fill you up more. Swap the cheese for a green option instead!
- You can always ask to change the style of cooking, if the meat is fried why not ask them to grill it. (no harm in asking)
4. Buffets
Keep an eye on how much you are consuming, buffets are never ending so eat till you feel full not until you think you have paid for it all. Pick your starter, main and dessert and just have that. Do not go up more than three times.
5. Chew your food! Eat slowly, with plenty breaks so you can digest your food better.
6. Choose water instead of alcoholic or fizzy drinks.
7. Choose your restaurants carefully, try not too pick the 'all-you-can-eat' places and go for a place with a varied menu or that is fish or salad based. Look at the menu before you go, you can see what will be the best option for you. Get your mind set on the dish you will be eating to acquire a taste for it.
8. Try not to eat the freebies at the start. The basket of white rolls will not be a good option to start your meal with, so do not eat it.
9. Once the food comes, eat your lowest calorie items first. Eat the vegetables this will fill you and you may not need the big roast potato at the end. You do not need to finish everything on your plate.
10. Dessert
Think wisely, you may not need it! But if you still want something sweet why not share? If sharing isn't an option try avoid the chocolate fudge and see if there is a sorbet, frozen yoghurt or meringue option.
Hope this will help you through the party season, have fun and stay fit!
Richard Taylor Personal Training Club
www.richardtaylorpt.co.uk
"Changing your lifestyle to incorporate exercise and proper nutrition is not easy. But it is defiantly a journey with endless rewards that are well worth achieving!
