How to avoid gaining weight during life's tempting times.
There are five key situations in life where we're more susceptible to piling on the kilos according to a recent article by CNN. They're called the "moments that make us fat". And when they arise, don't think your willpower will always hold you back from the dessert tray, says James Hill, executive director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center at the University of Colorado.
"Willpower is not inexhaustible," he says. "You only have a certain amount of it, and it's gone." The secret the report says is to accept your willpower will "run out" at different points and to plan healthy eating strategies to see you through these overindulging situations. We asked body+soul nutrition expert Lisa Guy for her plan of attack on how to avoid the kilojoule trap when you're…
Problem area: You're relaxed, kicking back and enjoying everything your holiday destination has to offer – but you don't want to come home another dress size.
Lisa Guy's advice: Try to order some healthy options. "Get in as many vegies, salads and fruits as you can," Guy says. "And limit eating too many fast food meals."
As for alcohol try ordering the low cal option every now and then. "Order spirits in soda water with fresh lemon or lime," Guy says. "Go easy on beer and too much wine. And watch out for creamy cocktails opt for ones with fresh juice instead."
Problem area: You feel like pouring your heart into a bucket of Homer Hudson ice cream. With cream. And chocolate sauce.
Lisa Guy's advice: "Hit the gym instead of the fridge and keep busy," advises Guy. "You will feel much better for it."
Avoid temptation by cleaning the house from contraband items and stock up on the good stuff. "Empty the house of any chocolate, biscuits and ice cream or what ever your comfort food is. And do a big grocery shop of fresh fruits and vegies and other healthy foods."
Problem area: You're at a party with friends and the canapés look utterly delicious – as does the cocktail bar.
Lisa Guy's advice: Try eating a high protein meal before arriving then carefully select which foods you snack on.
"Stay away from anything deep fried or too sugary," Guy says. "Go for nuts, pretzels, olives, dips with crackers or vegie sticks and rice paper rolls."
Limit your alcohol intake too. "Lay off the beer and wine and go for lower calorie drinks like vodka and soda (not soft drink) with fresh lemon or lime."
Problem area: You need something to munch on while watching television, preferably something salty, sugary or with chocolate.
Lisa's advice: Stockpile your kitchen with healthy snack options. "Put away the chocolate biscuits or chips and instead try air popped popcorn, homemade ice blocks made with blended fresh fruit and yoghurt, a warm chai or cinnamon drink, or a fruit salad with yoghurt," Guy says.
Problem area: Restaurants offering all-you-can-eat menus or XXL sized meals and fries with everything are calorific disasters waiting to happen.
Lisa Guy's advice: Avoid restaurants such as these if you can. If not, order wisely. "Hold the side of fries and opt for steamed vegies without butter or a salad minus the creamy dressing or have balsamic instead," she says.
"Avoid fried foods and instead choose grilled, poached or baked fish, chicken or meat. You can always take home what you can't finish too," she says.