Stop Weekend Binges
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Stop Weekend Binges
| Mon, 09-18-2006 - 12:44pm |
Stop Weekend Binges
By Amanda Pressner
If your slim-down habits take a holiday on Friday at 5 p.m., here's how to regain control.
By Amanda Pressner
Crammed with family functions, cocktail hours and barbecues, weekends can be healthy-eating minefields. Avoid the most common pitfalls with these tips from Jennifer Nelson, R.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The problem: Grazing all weekend long.
Why it happens: Without a structured schedule, you grab whatever food is within easy reach.
Rescue remedy: Take 15 minutes midday Friday to review your weekend plans; identify any potential trouble spots (e.g., you're attending a beach barbecue on Sunday) so you can schedule your meal and snack times around them. By imposing some guidelines, you cut the chances that you'll nibble mindlessly.
The problem: After a tough week you are so ready to melt into the couch -- with a big bowl of triple-fudge ice cream.
Why it happens: You're craving comfort, not food.
Rescue remedy: Brainstorm non-food ways to soothe yourself, like meeting a friend for a walk in the park or getting a pedicure while you catch up on summer reading. If you still need the sugar, you can usually get your fix without putting too big a dent in your diet; two Snickers Miniatures provide total indulgence but set you back just 85 calories.
The problem: Grazing all weekend long.
Why it happens: Without a structured schedule, you grab whatever food is within easy reach.
Rescue remedy: Take 15 minutes midday Friday to review your weekend plans; identify any potential trouble spots (e.g., you're attending a beach barbecue on Sunday) so you can schedule your meal and snack times around them. By imposing some guidelines, you cut the chances that you'll nibble mindlessly.
The problem: After a tough week you are so ready to melt into the couch -- with a big bowl of triple-fudge ice cream.
Why it happens: You're craving comfort, not food.
Rescue remedy: Brainstorm non-food ways to soothe yourself, like meeting a friend for a walk in the park or getting a pedicure while you catch up on summer reading. If you still need the sugar, you can usually get your fix without putting too big a dent in your diet; two Snickers Miniatures provide total indulgence but set you back just 85 calories.

