Whether you’re spending the weekend out on the town, staying in to watch TV or planning a get-together with your closest pals, there’s a lot of promise in each weekend.
But with swimsuit season just around the corner, there’s a chance some of you have anxiety about navigating this weekend’s culinary delights without ditching your wellness goals.
Don’t fret. Here are some tips for tackling scenarios that might play out in the coming days.
- Dinner out
Dressed up, smelling nice, heading to one of your favorite restaurants? Awesome, have fun! But if nutrition is something you’re concerned about, be prepared before you arrive at the restaurant and get sucked in to the five cheese pasta with cheese on top. Try looking up the menu and nutritional information on the restaurant’s website while you’re getting ready or earlier in the day. The information is usually pretty easy to find but if not, businesses can sometimes provide a printout upon request. You can also use apps like My Fitness Pal to keep track of your calorie intake and other details about your food. The point is: With a little planning, you can enjoy a delicious meal without a side of guilt. - Gathering with friends
Whether you’re having your favorite couple over for dinner or hosting a party, celebrating with friends is a great option. It can, however, be difficult to plan a menu for your shindig without throwing your diet out the window. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to fruit and veggie platters, though. Take some tips from CookingLight, where you can find a variety of recipes and ideas; if you’re craving Italian, try this light lasagna or this juicy steak, paired with greens and parmesan cheese (ya gotta have cheese). And if you’re not much into fancy recipes, now would be as good a time as ever for doing some research on Pinterest. - Movie night in
If you’re like me, sometimes staying in is a treat in itself. Cozy clothes, movie, snacks … sign me up. But while lounging around can be of uttermost delight, especially for introverts (shout-out!), it’s very conducive for overeating. Be prepared by keeping better-for-you snacks around the house such as chocolate-covered almonds, hummus and pita or popcorn flavored with seasoning instead of butter. And hey, while you’re at it, if you happen to be enjoying a flick with your loved one, maybe break up the couch-sitting with a romantic stroll around the block or some dancing.
So, no matter how you’re celebrating the weekend, remember: A little planning can go a long way in helping you enjoy this weekend without sacrificing fun times or your commitment to healthy living.
