Have Fun, Eat Right This Weekend

This weekend kicks off the season of alfresco parties! Of course, there is a small drawback if you're looking to lose weight: barbecues, filled with various dips and appetizers, fatty sides, and sugary desserts, can be a quick way to completely blow your diet. Don't worry-these tips will let you have fun this holiday weekend without feeling deprived.

Related: What Makes You Fall Off A Diet?

Dress body-consciously.

"Studies show that women who wear loose-fitting clothes eat more," says Jana Klauer, author of The Park Avenue Nutritionist's Plan.

Say no to one thing.

Before you leave the house, decide which one of these categories you're not going to eat, and stick to it: red meat, cheese, alcohol, or white bread. Avoiding just one of these will save you hundreds of calories.

Devise a plan.

Once you get there, scan the table and assess the damage. "Look for crab, shrimp, chicken, and other lean proteins," says Susan Bowerman, lecturer in the nutrition department at Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo. "Various types of vegetables, raw or grilled, are also good because they keep your mouth busy. Plus, the bulkiness makes you feel full. I always urge people to avoid creamy dips and sauces-the calories add up quickly."

Related: The Spicy Way to Lose Weight

Don't just graze.

Put the food out on a plate, sit down, and drink a glass of water. This will force you to eat slowly and will prevent you from mindless picking.

Drink smart.

We're not going to tell you not to drink at all, but if you want to have alcohol, drink it in a way that doesn't include hundreds of empty calories. Weight-loss expert Stephen Gullo recommends avoiding anything you love the taste of (like white wine) and instead opting for a harder alcohol, like tequila, mixed with seltzer. If you don't love the taste of it, you won't guzzle-you'll sip slowly.

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