How To Stay On Track During Summer BBQ's: Part 1

How To Stay On Track During Summer BBQ's: Part 1

There is nothing that makes it feel more like summer than a good old fashioned 4th of July BBQ. While this sounds like fun for some, it can be daunting for those who are trying to stay focused on weight loss and health goals. From the fatty foods to the alcoholic beverages that seem to be offered endlessly from the moment you arrive at the party; it takes a lot of willpower to stay on track. Here are a few tips that might make your 4th of July a little less challenging and a lot more relaxing.

 

Hydrate. While it’s important to stay hydrated all year round, it becomes especially important when the temperatures rise in the summer months.  Not only does water assist your body in its daily functions, but it also serves as a tool for weight loss. There are many times when we think that we are hungry when it is actually fluids that our body is craving. To prove this theory, try downing a glass of water or seltzer before you fill up your plate at the BBQ. Give it a few minutes and you might just find that you need less on your plate to tame your appetite. There is a good chance that the BBQ that you attend this 4th of July will have plenty of sugary sodas, juices, and alcoholic beverages, and not as many drinks designed to keep you hydrated, so we suggest that you BYOD… “bring your own drink,” so you don’t have an excuse to reach for a Coca-Cola when that thirst starts to surface.

Get some steps. We don’t mean go for a run in the middle of the festivities. Instead, take your time and circle the food table, so you have an idea of what types of food choices are available. This way, you will be less likely to grab anything that’s in front of you while you make your way through the food line. Instead, you can make mindful decisions about what goes on your plate, and more importantly what ends up in your body. Even summer BBQ’s have a few healthy options to choose from.

Go green. Yeah, we get it…it’s the 4th of July and you will likely see a lot of red, white and blue appetizers and desserts in the shape of a flag, but that doesn’t mean that you have to indulge in the white whip cream or the sugary strawberry syrup. Sometimes it’s easier to make your decisions based on color. There are a lot of great green options that will do wonders for your body. Try putting your focus on the spinach, kale, avocado, celery, and broccoli that will likely be available at the BBQ. And if you have a fear that there will be a limited supply of green, then it won’t hurt to bring your own selection of good-for-you green foods. Who knows…you just might inspire a fellow BBQ-goer to get on the healthy bandwagon.

 


 

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