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As published in
November/December Southwest Health:
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It's easy to make healthy choices at home, where you have more control
over the time and place you eat or exercise. But about when you're at
parties or shopping or traveling? The staff at Southwest's Center for
Weight Management can help!
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Party Strategies:
- Fill up first.
Eat 2-3 cups of vegetables and drink a non-caloric beverage before you leave
home.
- Keep your hands full. At the party, carry a glass of water or diet soft drink to keep
your hands busy and remind you to make healthy choices.
- Leave the leftovers. If hosting, toss out any leftovers.
If you're the guest, don't bring any home.
Travel and Shopping Strategies:
- Start out right. Have a nutritious, filling breakfast: oatmeal, skim milk and
fruit. Or, enjoy some protein or an unsweetened high-fiber cereal.
- Stash some snacks. Bring small baggies of your favorite fruits and vegetables
and have bottled water on hand while you are on the run.
- Enjoy eating out. Go somewhere you like that has low-fat, low-calorie items, and
savor every mouthful.
- Split the difference. Take half your order home with you,
or share it with a friend.
Strategies for Physical
Activity:
- Make a date.
Block out time on your calendar for exercise, especially on the days leading
up to big events.
- Walk this way.
Walk at rest stops, grab a buddy to go for a walk and get some fresh air, walk
instead of drive to the store, take the stairs.
- Dance the night away. If there's dancing available, go
for it!
The keys are to plan ahead, write down strategies for situations and upcoming
events, and ask for support from people who can help you. And acknowledge your
success! It feels great to do what you say you are going to
do.
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