Avoiding Common Diet Pitfalls

Despite our best intentions, many healthy eating plans are abandoned due to inevitable obstacles and
temptations that pop up along the way. Not expecting these potential barriers can set you up for failure. Here
are some of the common roadblocks on the highway to healthy eating.

1. At the Office

Food everywhere. Pack lunch and some snacks! This will help prevent you from snacking on office treats.
Plus, packing lunch will not only save you calories and fat, it can also save you money.

Bring healthy treats. Bring in a lightened up version of your favorite sweet treat and share the recipe with
your co-workers. Maybe you can inspire them to start eating a little healthier.

Stay hydrated. Thirst often masquerades hunger and can make us want to eat. Keep a bottle of water at your
desk. It will remind you to drink up.

2. Dining Out

Choose wisely. When dining out in a restaurant, scan the menu for healthy choices; avoid fried foods and
cream-based sauces. Ask for condiments and dressings on the side. This will help you control the fat and
calories.

Pay attention to portions. Many dishes served at restaurants are two or three times larger than the
recommended serving sizes. Order an appetizer as your entrée, share a plate, or wrap up leftovers for lunch
the next day.

3. At a Party

Never go to a party hungry. Eat a healthy snack before leaving the house. If you’re not starving by the time
the food arrives, it will be easier to stick to your healthy eating plan.

Moderate your party plate. It is a party after all. If something appeals to you treat yourself in moderation
with 1 or 2 tasty bites and then fill up on more healthful party dishes like: vegetable crudités, shrimp cocktail
or bruschetta. Avoid any foods if you know you can’t resist just having one!

Focus on fun and friends, rather than food. Work the room, not the buffet table. Find people you enjoy
talking to, and position yourself away from the food.

Don’t pick. Grab a plate and sit down to enjoy your meal instead of grazing the buffet line. It is easy to
overeat when you pick a little of this and a little of that, so sit down and savor every bite.

Follow these tips and you’ll be roadblock-free on your journey to healthy eating every day!

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com