Healthy eating and special occasions

Birthdays and weddings 

Before heading off to any birthday or wedding celebration eat a balanced healthy meal, this will keep you feeling full up throughout the party, meaning you’re less likely to indulge.

• If you do choose to browse the buffet, fill your plate with salad (minus the dressings) vegetable crudites and salsa dip. Chicken drumsticks are always a good option too; though always remove the skin before eating to keep the calorie content down.  Lean ham is also a good choice as are wholegrain crackers, grilled prawns, tomato based pasta and vegetable rice dishes.

• If there’s a smaller sized plate available, always choose that over the larger plates as this will control your portion sizes. And at all costs steer clear of crisps, cakes, biscuits and anything that’s bread or pastry based.  Once you’ve eaten your plateful don’t go back for second helpings, and don’t chat near the buffet table as you’ll be prone to mindlessly overeat.

• Limit your intake of alcohol, as not only is it loaded in calories, but it will also weaken your willpower. Choose low calorie spirits with diet mixers over wine and beer, as these only contain 57 calories per glass compared to 170-180 in a glass of wine, or 163 in a pint of larger.

• When it comes to the moment the cake is handed around you’ll probably encounter a well-meaning host saying ‘go on, it won’t hurt’. Politely say the cake looks beautiful, but you’re full at the moment- then hit the dance floor to burn off any extra calories.

Pub grub

Most pubs offer light or healthy eating options. However, if these aren’t on the menu choose a main meal which isn’t drenched in creamy sauce or covered in cheese. If these aren’t available, most pubs are happy to alter their dishes to accommodate their customers’ needs. So ask for no dressing on your salad, sauces on the side, and salad, vegetables, jacket potatoes or rice instead of chips. It’s also advisable to avoid pies or anything that’s fried. Offering to drive will also help to keep your calories down, so opt for diet soft drinks and steer clear of sugary fruit juices as these are often have high calorie content.

Dinner parties 

If you’ve been invited to a dinner party, eat well the day before and on the day of the party itself. This will ensure that even if you do choose to go a little over board, your calorie intake will be under control. If you’ve been served a dish you know is high in fat and calories, enjoy it and try to leave some food on your plate. Avoid second helpings.  When dessert arrives, depending on what it is, either politely say no or help yourself to a small portion. Then the week after your dinner party, step up your exercise regime to burn off any extra calories.

Anniversaries 

Ok, only once a year right? It may be tempting to head out for a cosy, 5 course meal together.  So either choose your options carefully at the restaurant, or why not cook a healthy meal for your beloved instead? This will allow you to control exactly what you’re eating, how it’s cooked, and what it’s cooked in. So use low calorie cooking spray to shallow fry, and grill and bake wherever possible. Eating at home also means you can also choose reduced fat versions of your favourite foods, which will also help to lower your calorie intake.