5 Tips for Battling the Memorial Day BBQs

It is officially the start of grilling season! That means food, drinks, and more food. Anyone getting a little worried about "going off their diet" with all the festivities? Here are some tips for keeping on track through the BBQs, parties, and summertime bashes!

Tip #1: Don't skip meals
So many people skip breakfast if they are going to an afternoon BBQ. They tell me they are "trying to save calories." Throw this logic out the window! When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down and you tend to eat more at the next meal to overcompensate. I'm not saying to stuff yourself before you head out; however, eat something with a protein and a carbohydrate (peanut butter + apples or Egg + WW toast) to keep hunger at bay!

Tip #2: Bring your own healthy dish
Let's say your going to your neighbors house and they are the least healthy eaters ever. You know there will be very little that will be healthy. What do you do? Bring your own healthy dish! Maybe it is a veggie salad or fruit dessert. Sure you can indulge in what is offered; however, you can lean on your dish for some better nutrition. Try bringing fruit kabobs! Use long toothpicks and thread on grapes, kiwis, pineapples, etc.

Tip #3: Assess before you eat
Instead of just grabbing before you think, walk by the food options and plan out what your going to eat. Maybe there are hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, and grilled veggies. What should you choose? The best option would be your chicken and grilled veggies. You could add a pasta or potato salad for a carbohydrate as well. Maybe you want both pasta and potato salad? Do a small serving of each (not a huge scoop). Maybe you want the burger and salads. Forgo the bun and dig into your salads. Again, think protein and carbohydrate (plus some non-starchy veggies if you got em).

Tip #4: Sip healthy
Margaritas, wine coolers and beers can all add up calorie wise. Remember to drink some water in between. It will help cut your intake and keep you hydrated. Try a wine spritzer as another option. Simply halve your wine with some seltzer water. Not looking to drink but want to stop everyone from bugging you about drinking? Grab a seltzer and add lemons/limes! You can also apply the same principle from Tip #2 here too!

Tip #5: Do a reality check
So, maybe you went to a party/BBQ and all nutritional restraints went out the window. Don't panic but do a reality check. How much did you really splurge? Was it just one brownie or did you eat the whole tray? Did you eat sensibly that week? Maybe you did overdo it. Instead of moping on the couch or eating more, get up and move! Take a walk, go for a run, hit the gym. Get back on track at the next meal or next day. Remember to drink water and fill up on fiber-rich foods to keep your digestive system running smoothly. And last but certainly not least, don't be so hard on yourself :)

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone :)