I love hanging out with my friends and going out on dates with my hubby. The holidays are fun and summer is even more so! Quite frankly, I love being a social butterfly!! I think life is just too short to not have fun! However, being social can wreak havoc on your waistline, if you’re not careful. Lately I have been finding myself getting very anxious before social events. All the food starring me in the face saying “You know you want a little piece of me.” Or, you tell yourself you’re only going to have one glass of wine and before you know it there’s an empty wine bottle sitting on the counter. The anxiety has always kind of been there since I started my weight loss journey but I’m pretty sure I’m more anxious about it these days because I only have 5 more lbs to lose and let me tell you, they are the hardest 5 lbs I’ve tried to lose this whole journey! You would totally think it would be easy! Social events tend to make me either maintain my weight for the week or put me up a little.
Another reason I think I feel more anxious is also the fact that since the last weekend in February I have had something going every single weekend. And it doesn’t stop here; it’s going to keep going into the summer. I don’t have a free weekend until the first of June!! I swear I’m not complaining because like I said, I love to be social and I’m so looking forward to the bachelorette parties, bridal showers and weddings in the weeks ahead. All of these social events coming up are going to make losing the last 5 lbs, before summer (because that’s my goal) extra hard. So really, my 2 reasons go hand in hand. I know I’m not alone in this. The “S” factor is challenging for those losing weight, maintaining their weight and even for those wanting to lose weight but don’t know where to start.
As I try to keep my anxiety at bay and just let myself relax and have a good time at all the social events without worrying that I am going to gain 5 lbs just by looking at all the food and alcohol, I feel I need a game plan. And not only do I need a plan, I need to make a promise to myself to stick with it. So, what’s a girl to do:
1. Thou shall fill up on healthy protein, grains, fruits and veggies before I head out the door.
2. Thou shall not go thru the Taco Bell drive thru, or any other late night food joint, after drinking all night.
3. Thou shall refrain from sugary alcoholic beverages and while I’m at it, thou shall also refrain from drinking a whole bottle of wine.
4. Thou shall not order “high in fat/calories” meals at restaurants. Even if it looks healthy. Ask how it is prepared. (Example, “Is the dressing a vinaigrette or is it creamy?” “Is the fish baked with butter or oil?”
5. Thou shall socialize. After all, a party is about the friends, not the food!!!
6. Thou shall keep thy eyes on the prize. Which is more rewarding, reaching thy goals or eating deep fried goodness?
7. Thou shall keep up with a workout routine.
8. Thou shall write down EVERYTHING consumed. You bite it, you write it!
9. Thou shall only make one trip to the food spread at a party, with the smallest plate thy can find.
10. Thou shall shake thy tail feather on the dance floor.
I will be leaving a healthy recipe with you today. I made this the other night for my family and it was delish!
Sweet & Sour Meatloaf (Courtesy of www.hungry-girl.com) served with a side of Sweet Orange Roasted Baby Carrots (Courtesy of www.weightwatchers.com)
Ingredients:
Loaf
1/4 cup chili sauce (the kind stocked near the ketchup)
1/4 cup low-sugar grape jam/jelly
1 1/4 lb. raw extra-lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (Like egg beaters) (I just used 2 minus the yolk)
1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper
Topping
2 tbsp. chili sauce (the kind stocked near the ketchup)
2 tbsp. low-sugar grape jam/jelly
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
To make the loaf, mix chili sauce with jam/jelly in a large bowl. Add all other loaf ingredients and thoroughly mix. Transfer to the loaf pan; if needed, smooth out the surface with a spatula or spoon.
In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients. Evenly spread topping over the loaf. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes, or until meatloaf is cooked through. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
MAKES 5 SERVINGS
Nutrition Facts per serving (1 slice):
Calories: 227
Fat: 5g
Sodium: 521mg
Carbs: 17.5g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 25g
Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 5
Sweet Orange Roasted Baby Carrots:
Ingredients:
1 pound(s) uncooked baby carrots
1 tsp orange zest, freshly grated
1/2 cup(s) unsweetened orange juice, fresh
2 tsp canola oil
1/4 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss all ingredients together in a 13 X 9-inch baking pan until well-coated. Cover with foil and bake, shaking pan once to toss, until carrots are crisp-tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Uncover pan and roast until carrots are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 8 to 10 minutes more. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving. Serves 4.
Weight Watchers Points Plus Values: 2 per serving
