Special Occasions

Events and special occasions can easily turn into major setbacks for any weight management- or fitness program. Holidays, vacations, reunions, parties and weddings – the list of opportunities is endless. Even in exceptional situations, you should never pull out all the stops.

There is not much you can do about the food when you are invited to someone else’s home or to a restaurant. However, you can avoid some of the worst damage by navigating around the typical pitfalls. For example, you can limit your hors d’oeuvres to one or two and enjoy just a small bite of the desserts. Always watch your portions, stick to your preferences and resist the urge for second helpings. You may also think about throwing in some extra time for exercise over the following three days or so to get back on track.

Parties and Celebrations Can Quickly Undo
Your Best Weight Control Efforts

Having said all that, you should not ever consider food – any food – as “the enemy.” If cutting back on eating what you love leaves you feeling deprived, you will sooner or later succumb to temptation and fall back into old habits. So, don’t be too hard on yourself, especially when you feel like celebrating. Note that nothing is forbidden but everything counts.

But moderation is always key. Remember your health goals and the progress you have already made. No need to jeopardize everything you worked hard for just to indulge in a little fun.

Some suggestions for staying on track when you’re having fun
First, plan ahead. Identify the events you will be attending in the near future. Consider what each event will entail and mark your calendar accordingly. This gives you a better idea of what to expect with regards to your food consumption. For example, you probably have more control at a cocktail party than at a multi-course sit-down dinner. An opening of an art show with passed finger food may be easier to handle than a wedding or a cruise where delicious foods just keep coming. In case of the latter, you need to seriously prepare yourself for the coming assault.

Second, consider your options. Your plans should allow you to enjoy yourself but not completely undo all the progress you have already made. Perhaps you can increase your exercise regimen and observe your diet extra carefully in the days before the event. Or there may be health-promoting activities available on site. While you are attending a wedding, reunion or business conference at a resort, make sure to take full advantage of all the spa and workout amenities.

Third, anticipate what problems or situations you might encounter along the way that may challenge or prevent you from reaching or maintaining your goal. Write down each problem, including social- and other environmental challenges, emotional triggers as well as old thought patterns you might revert to.

Fourth, once you have put together your list of potential challenges and weighed your options, you have all the tools you need to develop a strategy to keep yourself on the right track. All you have to do is follow through. (I know, easier said than one.)

Finally, remember that special occasions only last for a limited time. Even if they cause you some setbacks, they are only temporary. Once they’re over, you can recommit to your regular schedule. Until then, don’t let anything spoil your fun (within reason, of course).

For further reading on this subject, go to the “Staying On Track” section of this program, which includes: Setting Goals, Developing Strategies, About Thinking Styles, Handling Stress, Getting Support, Everything in Moderation and Achieving Our Best for ideas and support.

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