Diet & Fitness

By eDiets Staff

And while the premise for these events is all about good times, it can be stressful if you're trying to trim your middle. If you think you're faced with only two options, however -- forgo the food and fun or give in to temptation and risk spiraling into diet oblivion -- you'll be thrilled to know there's another route you can take.

If you're an eDiets member, you've seen for yourself that losing weight doesn't have to entail giving up your favorite nibbles or sucking all the pleasure from eating. The process of shedding those pounds won't always be easy, of course, but one of the secrets of successful weight-losers is being prepared for situations that really test your resolve, such as autumn's tailgates.

Keep in mind, one day of setting up a spread behind your SUV probably won't ruin your diet, but going hog-wild on one occasion can loosen up that iron-clad will to succeed at weight loss and lead you off track. Prevention is the best cure, so be prepared with these super-smart techniques and make it through those games and other fall festivities in winning style:

1. Find an interest. Here's a good rule of thumb for going to special occasions: Always remember why you're attending an event. Chances are, it's not so you can inhale as much fattening food as humanly possible in a four-hour time period (pie-eating contests are an exception, though generally forbidden for anyone reading this article). If you're there to watch the game, umm, do that.

When it comes to football games, have everyone in your party fill out a questionnaire before the game starts. Ask things like, "Which team will win the coin toss?" and "How long will the game last?" Have everyone turn in their answers and keep track of the score. Prizes need not be cash -- give away your tailgate's floral centerpiece or arrange for losing parties to alternate car-pooling the winner's kids to school the following week.

2. Get in the game. While conversation with your fellow revelers can be the perfect distraction from the food, if you find your mind wandering to the potato salad when Uncle Bob is talking about the old days, recruit a few people to play a game. There's usually lots of open space where tailgates are held, so find your own area to toss a football or a Frisbee.

If you're not quite dressed for a scrimmage, make some rounds in the parking lot and check out everyone else's tailgate spread. It's likely that you'll see several unique "entertaining" ideas, spot a few specialty cars, and run into long-lost pals while you're getting some exercise. If you're attending a more upscale event and not shod in ideal walking shoes, stow a pair of sneakers in your bag before you leave the house so you're ready for a stroll. Your feet will thank you.

3. Pick your poison. Whatever you do, don't attend a tailgate party hungry. Since many of these events start early in the day, it's a good idea to fuel up first thing with a hunger-quelling, fiber-rich breakfast like hot oatmeal. If you don't eat before you arrive, it's going to be a lot harder to resist the taco dip.

When it's time to eat, scan the table for the best options. If there are baked tortilla chips and salsa, for example, make that your snack choice -- just remember to fill a plastic cup with the chips and eat only those for perfect portion control, rather than digging into the nearly bottomless basket. Skip the over-stuffed sandwiches and go for the chili.

If you fear that there won't be diet-friendly foods available, offer to bring a dish to satisfy your hunger and please your host. Whip up warming low-fat turkey chili, tote crunchy veggies with black bean dip or air-popped popcorn seasoned with spices, or make lighter Buffalo wings by baking chicken tenders seasoned with hot sauce (low-fat blue cheese dressing is the must-have accompaniment).

4. Sip smarter. Let's face it, tailgate parties are often centered around more than food. Cocktails, like Bloody Mary's and Mimosas, beer and wine are frequently free-flowing at these events. Not only do alcoholic beverages contain lots of non-nutritive ("empty") calories, they also lower your inhibitions, making you more apt to devour the king-size bag of Doritos, which is not conducive to your weight-loss goals in addition to being rude.

If you must have alcohol, alternate those drinks with something soft, like sparkling water with lime. Better yet, keep your mittens wrapped around a Thermos cup of hot, mulled cider. Sip this throughout the day to stay toasty, satisfied and hydrated.

5. Live a little. You only go around once. If you're jonesing for a brownie or a hot dog, having one won't wipe out your weight-loss progress. Plan to eat the most healthful fare and to eat in moderation, and you can certainly afford a treat -- just decide what it will be. Being a little selective ensures that you'll enjoy every bite, and you won't feel cheated out of the yummy stuff.

Score Your Goal
Sometimes a good offense is the best defense, so use that advice when you're stepping out for seasonal fun. The right attitude can also go a long way toward reaching your weight goals. Instead of feeling like you're missing out on the way you once enjoyed such festivities, gain a new perspective on the occasion by turning your attention to the action and those around you.

Labels: diet, events, food, games, healthy, healthy snacks, nutrition, sports, tips, weight, weight-loss