How to handle the weekends

We have a long weekend which means more time to do fun things and quality time with my husband. But what it also means is that we are more social. We go out with friends and most of the time it includes eating out and having a few drinks.
Over the holiday's I wasn't as strict with myself and if we went out for dinner I didn't always watch what I was eating and I had a few drinks here and there. But the holidays are over and I started Magnify You and I am 110% committed. I do allow myself one cheat meal a week but other then that no cheating! But I know that there will be situations where something suddenly comes up and we will go out for dinner or go to friends place. Here are a few "tricks" that help me in these situations:

• If you go out for dinner and you know the restaurant google it. Check out their menu and look for some healthy options or a meal that you could make healthy. I don't have a problem anymore to order a meal and make some changes. Often I just take the carbs away and ask not to cook the vegetables/meat in butter.
• If you do not know where you are going check out the appetizer section (smaller sizes). Or most places have salads. You can order chicken or fish as an extra and get the dressing on the side. Or you can order a lean meat with vegetables and if they have a healthy carb. A lot of restaurants also started to add healthy options to there menu.
• If you are invited to a party make sure to drink enough water and eat something before you leave the house so you aren't hungry when you get there and won't eat chips and other things you shouldn't eat. At the party check out the buffet and pick out the healthier snacks and allow yourself one small treat. I also ask if I can bring something with me and if they say yes I make a clean appetizer. 
• If you go to see a movie bring some snacks and water with you. I often bring nuts with me or make a clean treat.
• The hardest I find is if someone invites you for dinner. For me it depends who it is. Most of my close friends know me and I do not have a problem to ask them not to serve me a dish but if it is someone you do not really know it is harder. Just figure out how the situation is.

I personally think a cheat meal here and there won't hurt as long as it is in moderation. For me personally it works the best if I allow myself one cheat meal a week. It helps me stay good during the week and I have that meal to look forward to. I also have to keep it to one I learned because otherwise I find excuses all the time. 

Work HARD, dream BIG!!!