This post was inspired by a very good friend of mine here in Korea, Alison.  We became friends through our mutual love of rock climbing and everything outdoors!   Well the best way to end a day outside doing what you love with people you love is to continue the good time by going out, or to a friend’s house, for food and drinks.  The more we found ourselves in these situations the more  problematic it became.  See, I LOVE to rock climb, but I also LOVE to eat good food and drink good wine.  No matter how good my intentions are going into an evening of said favorites I inevitably eat and drink way too much leaving me feeling heavy, bloated, and gross in general.  Not to mention the after effects the next day impeding my climbing ability.  So, my friend Alison and I got together and brain-stormed a little list in order to avoid these pit-falls in future gatherings.

1) By all means, you are at a party so indulge…a little.  Have the cheese you really like or the glass of wine you have been thinking about all day, but be mindful of every bite and enjoy every sip.  Just have the one piece or one glass, not 20.  Then crowd out the urge to OVER-indulge with healthier options.  Find the fruit and veggie platter or have a glass of water.  If you know it’s not going to be that kind of party (the fruit and veggie kind) bring your own to share.

2) If at all possible have a buddy-system!  My friend Alison and I are going to try out our new alliance tonight as a matter of fact!  We figured that if there were 2 of us doing this it would be much easier!

3) On that note, if you are feeling like you still want more food even after being full, start a conversation!  The conversation will be especially helpful if it is about a topic that will motivate you to eat less.  For instance, an upcoming wedding you want to wear a new dress for or a vacation where you will be wearing a bikini.

4) Remove yourself from the food area!  If you are sitting right in front of the food at a party it is WAY more likely that you will continue to eat just because it is there.  Get up!  Move around, sit somewhere that has no food around.

5) If needed put obstacles in between you and the food.   Make sure other people are in your way, chairs, even another room, whatever!  Just make it as awkward and difficult to get to the food as possible.

6) Last but not least DRINK WATER!  Not only will this fill you up and create a feeling of having eaten enough but it will keep you hydrated so the next morning you won’t feel hung-over from the wine or the food!

Ok, I am off to the party now so I am about to put my own advice to work, wish me luck and have a fantastic weekend