Girl Time Without the Gain

We love getting together with our girlfriends. From Ladies' Night Fridays to Tuesday lunch dates with co-workers, it's hard to pass up girl talk and gossip. However, friends and fun normally go hand in hand with food, but how do you get out with the girls and avoid the gain? A few simple tips and tricks will have you staying fit, having fun and still being fabulous - without the cheesecake.

The Bars/Clubs/Pubs:

Bars, clubs and pubs are hot spots for sports fans, wild weekends or just getting a booth and gabbing. However, the venues' menus are generally unhealthy, packed with deep fried foods, beer and sugary alcoholic beverages. One pint of beer and a lb. of wings can add up to over 1200 calories!

Instead of noshing on nachos (which can quickly add up to 600 calories for just 6-8 chips), or sipping on Cosmo's like Carrie Bradshaw, focus on friends and fun. Shoot a game of pool with friends, cheer on your favourite sports team on the big screen or burn calories just dancing the night away.

Coffee Shops:

Sit down cafes are on the rise (Starbucks has 16 thousand stores worldwide), and there's no doubt that girlfriend get togethers at coffee shops are becoming more popular. From baristas and coffee makers to free trade coffees and wireless internet, it has become an even faster growing trend to meet with your friends via Internet with your favourite mocha or latte and baked goods.

Get off the web, take time for friends, and order the "skinny" and smaller version of your favourites. By omitting sugar and whip cream, and asking for non-fat milk, you save almost half the calories. Feeling bold? Espresso yourself by ordering flavoured steeped tea.

Money Saving Tip: Brew your own specialty coffee/tea for friends at home.

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