Keep good intentions from going bad
health,food,body,diets,fitness
Keep good intentions from going bad
By Lygia Barnett
From your busy social calendar to your boyfriend\'s addiction to all things greasy, we reveal the lifestyle factors that could be sabotaging your healthy eating plan.
Work lunches
health,food,body,diets,fitness
Work lunches
It may be on your company, but don\'t use work lunches as an excuse to slip into binge mode. "Ask for the sauce on the side, order plenty of vegetables, and order the starter portion," says Dietitian Dr Frankie Phillips from the British Dietetic Association. High-fat lunches drain your energy levels paving the way for an unproductive afternoon.
Suddenly single
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Suddenly single woman eating chocolate
Avoid a Bridget Jones moment by filling your diary with social engagements for the month ahead. "Don\'t feel too bad about the occasional binge," says Frankie. "Instead of focussing on food, catch up with friends, try a new gym class, book in a massage, or go shopping." Sitting at home in your PJs is hardly going to entice Mr Wonderful.
Too many cocktails
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Cocktail
With nearly as many calories as fat, alcohol could very well be the one thing that\'s coming between you and your skinny jeans. Minimise the aftermath of drinking sessions by opting for low-cal mixers, steering clear of creamy cocktails and alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
Coupling calories
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kebabs
Play masterchef with some healthy spins on his fast-food faves. Make your own kebabs with low-fat hummus, grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon juice and garlic, and salad - wrapped up in a toasted pita. Skip the Sunday session at the pub for a BBQ at home with lean sausages and chicken skewers. Man-food has never been so healthy.
Your little black book is bulging
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social event
When it comes to being healthy, social engagements such as weddings and engagement parties can be a killer. Minimise the guilty aftermath of overindulging by steering clear of the canapés and limiting your alcohol intake. "Avoid arriving on an empty stomach by snacking on some yoghurt, a sandwich or some soup. And don\'t stand near the buffet - you\'re only teasing yourself," says Frankie.
The gym makes you hungry
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Gym makes you hungry
"It\'s important to eat after exercise to replenish energy glycogen in your muscles", says Frankie. But this doesn\'t give the green light for an all-out food fest. Choose wholegrain carbs with lean protein to maximise the slow release of energy and keep you fuller for longer. Try a chicken and avocado sandwich on wholegrain, a pot of yogurt with a piece of fruit, brown rice with chilli and salad, or baked beans on toast.
Work stress
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Work stress
"At the beginning of each week fill your top drawer and stock your fridge with satisfying snacks such as low-fat hot chocolate, wholegrain or oat-based cereal bars, and yoghurts," says Frankie. If you feel like you\'re really going to crack, take a short walk, make a cup of tea, or chat to a colleague.
That time of the month
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Enjoy a smoothie
Tame the monthly dragon by eating small portions regularly, avoiding highly-refined carbs and eating plenty of wholegrains. "Wholegrains keep your blood-sugar levels at a balance, minimising mood-swings and fluctuating energy levels," says Frankie. To beat the bloat, try a probiotic yogurt drink to balance the friendly bacteria in your gut.
