Labor Day Healthy Eating Survival Guide

Healthy Labor Day

“Labor Day means it’s very likely that you’ll be getting together with friends or family – which unofficially marks the end of summer. If the weather cooperates, you may be looking forward to having a picnic or BBQ’s. Or if it’s cool or raining your celebration may come indoors. Either way, a holiday celebration is always a good time to review some simple tips to help you stay focused on your healthy lifestyle.

Here are some FittChick tips to help you stay on track!

1. PLAN AHEAD. Make sure you have a healthy snack before going to any social gathering. When you’re less hungry, you’ll be more likely to make better choices. The worst thing you can do is to skip your morning or mid-day meals before an evening event. You may think you’re saving calories but in reality you’re setting yourself up to overeat when you get famished!

2. BRING YOUR OWN. Offer to bring your own healthy dish to your get-together. Consider making a colorful platter of roasted veggies as an appetizer or brining guacamole with cut up veggies. This will encourage you to consume your veggies and skip the junk! When you fill up first with healthy foods, you’ll be less likely to overeat the junk!

3. STEP ASIDE. Instead of hanging out by the buffet table, step away from the food so it’s not within easy reach. Out of sight – out of mind! This simple strategy will help you focus less on the food and more on the people. As you socialize and engage with others, you’ll be more likely to switch your focus away from the food and onto the fun!

4. BEAT THE BUFFET. Buffet-style eating can be a dieter’s downfall. When there are too many food choices, people tend to overeat. Remind yourself of way to best navigate the buffet table by viewing all the food first, using a small plate if possible, and enjoying lean protein, fruits, and veggies. If you want to enjoy a favorite treat, do so in moderation. This way you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself.

5. GET ACTIVE. If you didn’t have a chance to break a sweat before your party, here’s your chance to burn some calories. Get up and play volleyball, throw the football around, or start a game with your kids. You’ll burn calories and get your heart pumping. Most importantly though, staying active at the party will take your mind off worrying about your diet and let you have fun with friends instead.”

However you decide to enjoy you day, remember these 5 strategies to relax and #livefit.

Live Fitt!…Be Fitt!