Summary Feb 6, 2008

Central theme-
My favorite thing to make for dinner: Reservations!

Thoughts for the week-
The problem:
We generally have a different mindset at celebrations, or when we go out to eat.

Parties and Celebrations are difficult because a bounty of food is available, usually over long periods of time, and we have no idea of how they were prepared, (full-fat or no-fat?)

Eating out is difficult because we do it more often, and are in the mindset of being served, and enjoying ourselves to the fullest.... pull out all the stops, let go, pamper yourself mentality.

Some strategies:
We need to have some strategies in mind when going in to these situations to come out of them without remorse. Prepare yourself before going in to these hi-risk situations. Manage your feelings and environment to the best of your abilities.

Manage your environment:

• Provide input on where you're going out to eat.
  
• Look up the Points of dishes at the restaurant before you go.
• Order a salad or broth-soup appetizer if everyone else is having an appetizer.
• Or, reject the appetizer immediately if possible.
• Move the appetizer far away from you, or cover it up, hide it.
• Split the meal.
  
• Ask for a to go box with your order, or when the food is served. Put half in the box, immediately.
• Ask for the food to be prepared the way you want it. (On the side, no oil, etc.)
  

Manage your feelings:

• Understand that eating out is about more than just eating. Make it about enjoying one another's company, talking, socializing, enjoying the environment.
• Remember to keep your lifestyle focus. Continue to make smart food and portion choices.
• If you're sad, depressed, elated, or in celebration mode, (emotional) use extreme caution! Emotions are often the gateway to over eating.

Web links-
Excellent Tips to stay on plan (Alan's WW Tips)
The Points Formula!, I've always wondered... now I know
Laughing Cow Cheese, If you like cheese, you gotta get this stuff!
Skinny Cow Ice Cream, If you like ice cream, you gotta get this stuff!

Closing quote-
"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Recipe-
Why not share one of yours on the green bay weight training forum?
eMail it to: long4latitude.gbwt-forum@blogger.com
The subject line is your header, and the email body will be the content. No attachments allowed.