I am absolutely panicked about my girls night out tomorrow. So much so I want to cancel, but I won't. I can't wait to see my friends but...I am really struggling knowing what kind of an evening I face. An evening I would have LOVED if I wasn't trying to lose weight. There will be food I cannot go near as it will "start me up" and I will never stop. It will be casual chips and dip, cheese, cheese and more cheese, wine and beer. I've offered to take food (which I think I will) but my guess is we'll be heading out on the town eventually. Any advice on how I can avoid ruining my efforts so far? I am ONLY on day 4 tomorrow and this could throw me completely for a loop! How can I avoid from being the life of the party to the dieting damsel in distress? HELP!

It's great that you can bring some food with you. Take a veggie tray or fruit skewers. Also, load up on a healthy dinner and as much water as possible before you go out. If hard alcohol is a choice I usually opt for that with a diet mixer. I find that it is less dentrimental to my weight loss efforts (might just be me though) and drink a glass of water between each drink.

Also, don't be afraid to let everyone know that you're on a diet. Your friends should respect that.

Most importantly have fun! Dance a lot if you can (great exercise)! Have a great night!

Eat before you go and bring something to snack on while you're out. Almonds, low-calorie crackers, popcorn...something snacky. I find it easier to have a pre-measured amount of snacking food to keep my hands busy while people dive into higher calorie treats.

Keep a no-calorie beverage with you: water, tea, coffee. It gives you that hand-to-mouth motion without the calories.

Just keep reminding yourself that you are there for the company of your friends, not to down mindless calories. You will enjoy yourself and not have to feel guilty

Remember: Fizzy water + 1 shot hard alcohol of choice = 80 calorie drink.

Limit yourself to that one (or two tops), and DON'T YOU STOP DANCING. I second the food advice already mentioned, although I wouldn't eat a big dinner beforehand (save some calories!). Remind yourself to have ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD there except the healthy things you brought and (1) the alcohol will have a stronger impact; (2) you won't go over your allowance.

I find I lose more on weeks I go out, because I dance so much. Seriously aerobic workout. And even if you do go off-plan, don't worry -- you can just work it off the next day. Have fun!

Well I guess Im gonna be in the minority with my reply but I would say have fun don't stress about food enjoy your friends, especially if you don't hang out with them that often. Try to watch your portions but don't beat yourself up if you give in. Im not saying go pig out but if its a once in a while thing I wouldn't get stressed.

I'm a bit with carly on this one. Maybe not throw all caution to the wind but dont think perfection is required.

You are on day 4 which is hard but one of the most important lessons is how to have a less than perfect occasion and get right back on track at the next meal.

But I also understand the "start me up" which for me means not even eating the healthy food I brought. Come a little late so plenty of people are already there. Stay on the other end of the room away from the food and limit your drinking.

Gosh! I feel like I'm just saying the same thing as in different thread... which is, you do NOT have to tell anyone you are on a diet. This just means they will be watching everything you eat.

Strategies I use at parties:

- Look over the offerings and decide which items look the best to you. Then take a plate and put normal-sized amounts of each food you want on it. For foods like potato salad or macaroni salad, think in terms of a ping-pong ball amount. For meats, use the size of a deck of cards as a mental comparison. For green salads, you can eat lots, but the dressing has to be limited. Use only a small amount of dressing--measure it by the spoonful.

- Only one plate. Do not go back for seconds. Period.

- If you have decided to have a dessert item, you get only one. If it's cake or brownie, limit to roughly a 2 x 2 inch piece. Cut a pie slice in half. Take only a half-tennis ball sized serving of ice cream. But only one of these! If someone asks, the answer is "That's all I want."

- For drinking after, remember that there is no rule that says you "have" to drink alcohol. You can choose to drink a diet soda instead, or just plain seltzer and lemon or lime. Or, you can try to limit to two alcoholic drinks, and drink a nonalcoholic beverage befor, in between, or after them.

Life happens, and the world doesn't stop because we've decided to lose weight. You just have to have strategies in place to deal with it.

Jay

I completely agree with Carly. If I attend an event like this I feel it would completely rob the fun out of it I had to constantly watch myself and remind myself that I have just swallowed 50 calories. So I eat whatever is out there although I try to make healthy choices (i.e. more of the healthy stuff and less of the not-so-healthy stuff). If you must, have a salad before leaving so that you are not hungry.
Can you possibly do a big workout that day in the morning so that you burn a larger amount of calories? 45 minutes on the treadmill or on the elliptical, something like that (I don't what your exercise regimen is but I am sure you can figure something out).

When I'm going to a party or out with friends, I always eat an apple in the car on the way. Apples totally fill me up. Then, I eat what I want, but I'm far less likely to overeat, as I'm already pretty full.

THANK YOU GUYS!!!!!!!! I honestly feel like I can take little snippets from all of this great advice and go out tonight - you'll be my conscience! I am going to do a small workout today (back has been bugging me) and DEFINITELY eat something before I go, drink water in between my vodka and soda's (which I adore) and I will arrive with veggie tray in hand. BTW, I hear wearing a tight pair of jeans (not so becoming at the moment!!!) helps too - no room for extra snacking...haha! Thanks again everyone!!!!!!

How did it go oneday? Any other "going out" tips that you can share with us that you learned? Hope you had a blast!

If you're concerned about the extra calories from drinking--volunteer to be the designated driver. That way, you CAN'T drink more than one, maybe two drinks depending on how long you're out.

Hi! I survived my night!!!! Yipppeeeee! I took everyone's advice and it helped me so much. I had a very light supper before I went out. I arrived with a veggie platter (good plan!), raspberry vodka and soda with a slice of lemon (I bought 4 mini's and when they were done so was I!), I took a plate and put on some shrimp, veggies & dip, a few pretzels and some olives and when I finished my plate I stuck it in the dishwasher. I drank water in between and had a great time visiting with my friends. I got up this morning feeling good about my self control as there were some gorgeous cheeses to be had and chocolate (2 of my fav's)! But I knew one bite and I was finished! Thank you for checking in!!!! Happy Friday.

Awesome! congrats! And I like that you found a healthy balance, instead of totally gorging, or not eating/drinking anything.

Way to go! I love your idea of bringing along your own mini's - great idea!