Weekend (Food) Warrior

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I tend to indulge more than usual on the weekends. By indulge I don’t mean I have an extra cookie or two…I really indulge, and sometimes I eat so many sweets that I feel ill from all the sugar.

This doesn’t make me feel guilty, because it isn’t something I do daily, but it is something I’m becoming increasingly aware of. Because I don’t deprive myself during the week, I know my weekend indulgences are not brought on by deprivation or cravings but rather by opportunity. On the weekend, I find myself eating out more often, attending a barbecue at a friend’s house or engaging in other activities where unhealthy food is available and often the center of the activity.

This realization prompted me to brainstorm some tips to help myself maintain my healthy eating on the weekends, which I thought I would share.

Tips to Avoid Overeating on the Weekend

1. Eat a healthy breakfast. Start your day on the right foot by eating a breakfast that includes healthy carbs, fat and protein.

2. Take time for snacks. I am often busier on the weekends and won’t eat my mid-morning and afternoon snack like I normally do during the weekdays. Make it a point to eat your snacks to avoid extreme hunger (and possible overindulgence) come mealtime.

3. Assess your surroundings. If you’re truly at a special event (like a wedding), indulge (but don’t overindulge) in something special like wedding cake. If the event is a routine barbecue or a simple get-together with friends, don’t use it as an excuse to down copious amounts of chips and dip.

4. Fit in fitness. My days off from the gym put me in lazy mode. Even on rest days, get out of the house and go for a walk to remind yourself that healthy living occurs on days away from the gym, too.

5. Keep your hands busy. I tend to head into the kitchen when I’m hanging out around the house simply because I like to be doing something. Watching TV or a movie can make me antsy. Keep your hands busy with something else (file your nails, pet your dog, exchange hand massages with your boyfriend, flip through a magazine) while watching TV to avoid the urge to wander into the kitchen.

Do you struggle with healthy eating on the weekends? What are your tips for maintaining healthy eating habits over the weekend? —Julie Bream

Julie Bream is the author behind the blog, Peanut Butter Fingers, which focuses on living a healthy, balanced life fueled by fitness and simple, healthy recipes. Julie really enjoys the challenge of transforming her favorite indulgent and unhealthy recipes into delicious creations that are healthy but still flavorful whether it’s during the  work week or on the weekend!