If you want to eat healthy while power shopping then you know it's easier said than done. The smells coming from the food court can overwhelm even the most disciplined eaters and it only takes 2-3 of those power shopping diet meltdowns to boost belly fat. So here's some great tips on how to avoid diet meltdowns at the mall while still enjoying an occasional treat.
1. Drink a filling metabolism breakfast smoothie while getting ready to go out then pack a handful of almonds, a luna bar, an apple, and two smart water bottle in your bag. Why smart water and not regular water? Smart water has electrolytes and if you're hydrated properly you're less likely to give in to temptations or get fatigued and confuse being tired with being hungry.
2. Two hours before lunch grab a fat free latte 120 cal. (without syrups, whip cream, or any of that other junky stuff) and have your nuts over chocolate luna bar 180 cal. and about 6 almonds 42 cal. You just saved yourself about 300 calories by eating a balanced bar vs. a fatty pastry, and you factored in some appetite control by adding almonds to your treat.
3. Have a satisfying sit down lunch that's not a salad. You can have a salad when you get home. Now is the time to fuel your body with water, carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Good choices at the mall Baja Fresh Baja Chicken Tacos 360 cal., Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich 270 cal., Subway 6" Roast Beef Sub 290 cal., Sbarro 1 slice fresh tomtato pizza 450 cal. If you're on the go try a Jamba Juice Berry Fulfilling 160 cal. or Jalapeno Pretzel with marinara sauce 280 cal.
4. Give yourself a mid-afternoon boost by passing on the 830 calorie cinnabon and indulging in 1 Mrs. Fields Peanut Butter Bite Size Nibbler Cookie 110 calories, your apple, a handful of almonds, and your second water bottle. You won't be starving at dinner and you'll have enough energy to finish your shopping. If the smell of cinnabon is making you nuts (I know it makes me nuts) step into bath and body and smell the apple, vanilla, and citrus cents. This kills a craving quickly and is relaxing as well. If possible sit in a massage chair while having your snack. Relieving stress is also great for reducing cravings.
5. Having dinner out? Now is the time to overindulge in filling veggies (not iceberg salad) and protein Olive Garden's minestrone soup plus chicken marsala 560 cal., Boston Market rotisserie turkey and steamed broccoli 200 cal., Chili's 1/2 the chicken fajitas and side of black beans 545 cal., Friday's veggie soup and grilled salmon 520 cal.
6. Here's your bonus tip! You walked all day so do yourself a favor and stretch when you get home. Even if you only do it for 10 minutes your body will appreciate it and you'll wake up with enough energy the following day to get a great fat burning workout. Start with the calves then work up to the hamstrings, quads, and do a chest opener. Get started with the best flexibility exercises.
Eat healthy even when you're on the go with tips from Eat This Not That Restaurant Survival Guide: The No-Diet Weight Loss Solution
