HEALTHY TIPS FOR SOCIAL EVENTS/h1>

Summer is just around the corner and as we all know there are times when you simply can’t avoid a night out, BBQ or beer garden – and don’t want to either! Whether it’s a wedding, a work do, or even just a night out with friends, there is always a reason to celebrate.

Unfortunately, what often happens is people either spend the night as ‘the boring one’ guilt tripping their way through the evening and adding up every excess calorie. Or they spend the night eating and drinking everything within reach, then feeling guilty the next day.

However, by following some of these top tips, and generally just relaxing and enjoying yourself there can be a middle ground!

Plan Ahead If possible, take control of your night out. Suggest a place to go with your friends where you can select a healthier option. It’s also a good idea to check the menu ahead of time so you can mentally prepare and make better food choices. Don’t go starving When hunger strikes, you don’t want to be making difficult decisions. Low blood sugars result in our cells being unable to get the energy that they require, signaling symptoms of hunger to the brain and resulting in us ordering and thus eating more than we should. Be mindful Try to avoid overdoing it, especially if there is a buffer available. Take a smaller plate and only go up for one serving. When you are eating, take your time and try to appreciate the tastes, smells, colours and textures of your food. You’ll be surprised at how much quicker you feel full and also how much more you’ll enjoy your food.

Shift your focus from food to family and friends Your plans don’t have to resolve around eating and drinking. If you are meeting up with your friends and family suggest going for a walk in the park, to your favorite gym class or even some shopping instead! Having fun with your close ones, releases far more feel-good brain chemicals than food ever would. The big one…Rethink your drink Alcohol is often seen as the devil when it comes to weight loss; it's a very dense nutrient containing 7.1 cals per gram and it provides no nutritional benefit. Even moderate amounts of alcohol enhance energy intake due to the caloric content alongside its appetite-enhancing effects which often lead to those midnight trips to the kebab shop! Many alcoholic drinks are also packed with sugar. If you’re mixing your alcohol with energy or soft drinks, juices from concentrate, or even a few glasses of wine, you're giving yourself a sugar hit with each sip.

However, if you can practice some moderation with alcohol, a drink or two on occasion will not poison your body or make you irreparably fat. Try and stick to white spirits such as G&Ts, as these contain less sugar and calories. Enjoy yourself Probably the most important tip when going out; make sure you enjoy it. Don’t spoil your experience because you’re focusing on what you can and can’t eat. If you do decide to go for a slightly unhealthy option or have an alcoholic drink, then do it, enjoy it, and start again at the next meal. Life is about being healthy, happy and balanced, and we’re all entitled to a treat every now and again!