Don’t sabotage your weekends…

Weekdays are often filled with structure and routine, making it easier for many to stick to a healthy diet and fit in your classes but what about the weekends? Do all your good intentions fly out the window? It’s an easy trap to fall into, with our calendars filled with socializing, dinners out, parties and coffee mornings. So how can you still attend these shindigs without undoing all your hard work? Here are some tips on how you can enjoy the weekend without undoing all your hard work…

* Measure your stomach, hips and thighs twice a week — either Friday
and Monday a.m. or Thursday and Monday a.m. There's nothing better to keep you on track than knowing that you have to face the dreaded tape measure come Monday morning.
* Eat right throughout the day – especially if you know you'll be
Splurging at night. Focus on eating meals that are packed with veggies, healthy fats and lean proteins - then you can feel good about having a little treat at dinner.
* Don't starve yourself to save calories for later. It doesn’t work!
Not only will it mess with your metabolism, but by dinner time, you’ll be so hungry that you’ll want to eat everything in sight. If you have done this in the past, you’ll also notice that you’re also more likely to pick the unhealthy option and fancy EVERYTHING on the menu, including the paper its written on!
* Have a healthy snack, like a ½ an avocado, a handful of almonds or ½ apple with nut butter before heading to a big lunch or dinner. It'll take the edge off your hunger, so you aren’t tempted to go overboard.
* Limit the martinis and cosmos. Alcohol is a diet double-whammy; it’s not only jam packed with empty calories, but it can also reduce your inhibitions and increase your appetite. If you are going to drink, stick to a few glasses of red wine and have water in between.
* Order soup or a salad to start, but wait to order the rest of your meal. After you've finished the starter then order your entrée. Chances are, you'll order much less than you would if you ordered your entire meal all at once. Also, finish your meal with a herbal or green tea. Chances are you won’t need a pudding because your stomach will be so full from the water!
Lastly – IF you do need to cheat on the weekend, plan what and when you're going to eat, enjoy it, then get back on track. One indiscretion won't set you back — but a weekend of multiple indulgences might.