Super Bowl Sunday is coming, and this year may be a bit different in terms of the size of gatherings, but if even a small number of people get together, one thing is for certain…People eat more with friends and family than when dining alone — this is a possible throwback to our early ancestors’ approach to survival, according to a new study. This phenomenon is known as ‘social facilitation’. It’s explains some of our actions as that it enables ‘impulsive’ behavior, like eating
But, you don’t have to worry about looking like a ‘weirdo’ by not grazing the snack table. Remember that you set a goal to lose weight, and an event like the Super Bowl can set you back several weeks in terms of calorie consumption.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to keep you on track with the weight-loss goal you made in January.
1. Never go to, or host, a party on an empty stomach. Though you may be looking forward to munching on all the goodies, IT’S A TRAP!
2. Stick to 1 plate. It’ will be easier to see in total what you consumed if you go through the line just once.
3. Make that one plate last for the duration of the event. Instead of devouring the food in one sitting, you absolutely must pace yourself. There is a delay for the stretch receptors in your stomach of about 20 minutes for you to even realize that you are ‘full’. So take your time. You can even drink water to fill the void as well.
4. Bring your own food. The best way to ensure you have healthy options at a gathering is to be responsible for the supply of healthy food.
5. “Socially distance” from the snack bar. In relationships, absence makes the heart grow fonder, but the closer you are to the food the more likely you will succumb to the temptation. Park yourself as far away from the food as you can.
6. Avoid the bread basket. Breads, especially of the non-whole grain variety, tend to contribute to weight gain.
Even if you are only able to remember a few of these tips, and actually implement them, you will be well on your way to improving your relationship with food in social situations.
