6 Tips for Avoiding a Weekend Diet Trap

You desperately wait for the weekend after those tough and "fast" weekdays. The weekend seems to be a way to unwind and the best time to give due respect to your indulgences. You might have been following a strict diet plan throughout the week, but you fall weak during the weekend. You tend to indulge in your favorite foods, and overeating is the ultimate result.

A 2007 study published in the journal "Obesity" by the Washington University School of Medicine researchers proved that people who followed a strict diet and fitness plan during the weekdays faced the problem of slow weight loss since they indulged in overeating during the weekend. Here are few ways by which you can avoid cheating your diet routine during the weekend:

1. Choose some other entertainment options: Most of us think that we deserve to splurge during the weekend. And the way by which we love to enjoy our weekends is by eating our favorite food items! You would get a more fulfilling experience if you take a portion-controlled special item which is different from the regular ones you take like the potato chips. For example, enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate or one scoop of ice cream! If you are going out to eat or attending a social event, you must control your portion intakes and decide in advance, the foods that you really want to take. There are other options apart from eating out that can keep you engaged during the weekend. You can watch a movie or get some massage at the spa.
2. Engage yourself in non-food social activities: During weekend, many people prefer to go out with their friends and family, which basically involves "eating out". But when you are in the company of overweight people or those who indulge themselves in bad eating habits, you tend to overeat and end up gaining weight during the weekend. Activity during the weekend plays an active role to compensate for the gain in calories. You can choose to socialize with others by replacing visits to the restaurants with non-food activities like walking together, window shopping or visiting an art gallery. Saturday nights can be enjoyed with games like bowling. If you want to enjoy eating out during the weekend, consider having lunch outside. It's easier to eat light during lunch, and you probably won't order cocktails.
3. You can still find time for weekend physical activities: We often give excuses that we are too busy during the weekend to continue with our diet and fitness regime. But you don't need to go to the gym to get some physical exercise. You can plan outings which would involve a lot of physical activities while spending time with your family or friends. How about the idea of a tennis match or a long bike ride with your partner, or a hike with your children?
4. Choose only high-quality drinks: People who control their urge for alcoholic drinks during the weekdays desperately wait for the weekend. But alcohol breaks down inhibitions and you tend to overeat. Further, when you have nuts or other side dishes with wine, your calorie intake rises. And that's before you even had your main course meal! Instead, drink with your meal, and choose high quality drinks like vintage wine and single malt scotch which can allow you to relish the taste. This is a better option over the sugary fruity coctails which have high calorie contents.
5. Think of an "active" relaxation: It is true that you need to throw yourself off to relaxation during the weekend. But when it amounts to spending several hours on the sofa while watching television programs, then it would mean some degree of problem. Further, sitting lazily, especially when you are feeling bored, can make you to overeat as you now seek food as a time-pass. You can afford to dedicate the free time in doing other activities. For example, you can stock your freezer with easy and healthy meals for the upcoming week. You can also prepare healthy foods for the weekdays so that you can save time in those busy days. This would allow you to unwind even during the weekdays.
6. Don't go on a very strict diet: When you maintain a strict diet, you feel deprived and when the weekend comes you feel as if the days of independence have arrived, and you end up overindulging. But it's important to pay attention to exactly what you're eating and the quantity you're eating on weekends. If you are not careful, even a few treats can easily provide you more calories than you have saved during the week. You can pamper yourself with a light beer or a single scoop of ice cream every night. That way, your sense of deprivation would go off and you would not feel like overindulging! Also, measure your weight every Friday and Monday morning. This would keep you alert during the weekend.

You have ample amount of excuses to ditch your diet during the weekend. But what would you gain apart from fun and enjoyment? Calories! Fun and entertainment are not hidden in good and tasty foods alone! Engaging yourselves in fun activities with your family and friends can be more fulfilling!