Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Aubrey Fulton APRN
“Let’s grab a drink.” I can’t, I am in a weight loss program!
“Pizza on Friday?” I can’t, I’m on a weight loss journey!
“There are donuts in the break room!”
I can’t, I just can’t!
Being enrolled in a weight loss program and managing your health doesn’t mean you have to sit at home alone to avoid temptation and be grumpy. A medically supervised weight loss program is designed to equip you for the environment, however for some this may be challenging due to preconceived notions and stigma. Socialization is important to our wellbeing but some people are afraid to fail at losing weight and resort to isolation.
For most people, behaviors that veer off course like staying up late, drinking alcohol, and eating large amounts of “off-plan” foods are more tempting in a social setting than when hanging out at home. That’s why some people choose to skip social activities entirely when pursuing a health or fitness goal. Let’s change your mindset by adjusting your social routine.
Here are six tips to keep you on your healthy weight loss journey while continuing to maintain an active social life especially in this upcoming holiday season.
1. Eat BEFORE you leave the house. You wouldn’t go to the grocery on an empty stomach, and don’t go to a party hungry either. There will be fewer ways to control your options at someone else’s home, event, or restaurant. Offer to bring a dish or a charcuterie tray of things that are on your plan. One indulgence doesn’t mean you’ve failed. To gain one pound, you must consume about 3,500 more calories than you burn – even the biggest holiday feast isn’t likely to pack that many. The real danger is eating a little too much every day, or every weekend.
2. Be the life of the party. Socialize more and eat less. Just because there are beautiful trays of food doesn’t mean you are required to eat. Grab a pretty glass and fill it with water and a piece of fruit for flavor. Carry the glass as you socialize. Keeping your hand full of a glass and your stomach full of water will help you avoid nibbling. Is there music?
Dance!! Dancing is a great way to burn calories and have fun. Don’t stand near the food tables. Take your conversations outside or on the opposite side of the room from temptation.
3. Choose the events you want to attend carefully. Holiday parties and wedding receptions are sure to be focused on sweets and alcohol. Mentally prepare yourself for the challenge of avoiding cake, champagne, and the buffet. Try to focus less on food and more on active fun. The more confident you feel about adapting your diet to new social situations, the better your chances of success.
4. When sitting down to eat, be smart. Have a bowl of soup or a full glass of water before the food arrives. Drink a sip of water between each bite. Put your fork down frequently. Sit back in your chair and enjoy the conversation for a few minutes without eating.
5. Alcohol – not all drinks are the same. Fruity mixed drinks are all liquid sugar. Making these types of mixed drinks is a hard no for weight loss or maintenance. A four-ounce Mai Tai is 306 calories. A four-ounce Pina Colada is 389 calories. A four-ounce margarita is 168 calories. Do you know how many four-ounce margaritas are in a fishbowl at your local Mexican restaurant? One fishbowl is forty-five ounces. That’s over 11 servings of margarita in ONE GLASS. 1890 calories of liquid. Yes, that massive margarita tastes amazing, but that are more calories in a fishbowl than you need in an entire day to lose weight.
Instead try a seltzer, one light beer, or one glass of wine, and then go back to the water. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead to poor decision-making in the heat of the moment, especially when it comes to food choices.
6. Take your accountability partner with you. Friends can be a source of motivation when it comes to healthy living. Friends support you through the thick and thin of life. Be it family drama, or relationships, ups and downs are always there for you. If they can support you through all that, why wouldn’t they support you in achieving your weight loss goals?
To discuss more your desire to shed pounds AND keep your body healthy, schedule a FREE Consultation with Shedloss at the AuVan clinic at 239-799-7219. Yes, shed it and forget it!
We specialize in medically supervised concierge and basic weight loss programs that will help you look and feel your best. The AuVan Clinic is located at 4270 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 201 in Naples.
Aubrey Fulton APRN
Aubrey is a graduate with honors from South University, fully licensed, autonomous board-certified Nurse Practitioner, who brings to the community, his wealth of knowledge. With over 21 years of nursing experience, he provides a unique clinical experience, enhanced by his diverse background in nursing. He is committed to act as a patient advocate, and practice medicine with a holistic approach.
Aubrey has served in the community as a nurse educator and was recognized as Nurse Mentor of the Year by NCH Healthcare System in 2015. Aubrey has been successful in creating a personalized, concierge weight loss and management program which aims at not only weight loss, but a total body health and wellness.
4270 Tamiami Trail East, STE 201
Naples, FL, 34112, US
239.799.7219