Warm weather is for showing off that healthy body you have worked so hard to achieve all winter long. Don’t let let summer cookouts and holiday BBQs add inches to your waistline! The following 8 tips & tricks for healthy eating this Memorial Day will help you stay slim and feel great, while having the confidence to show your skin throughout the hot summer days and nights.
Fitt tip #1: Veg Out
Instead of sitting down to a plate of high-calorie ribs as your first course, load up on salad and veggies before you hit the grilled meats. You’ll be less likely to overeat the higher calorie foods later if you fill up with a huge salad or grilled vegetables first. And don’t be afraid to offer to bring a veggie tray with healthy yogurt-based dips or guacamole. HERE is one of my favorite appetizers that is always a huge hit at every party!
Fitt tip #2: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking a large glass of water before eating a meal will slow you down and help reduce your caloric intake. It can also help you avoid dehydration, which can zap your energy and cause false-hunger signals. I like to guzzle water throughout the day to stay hydrated and be less likely to overeat later. Check out my post on How Drinking Water is the Key to Weight Loss!
Fitt tip #3: Go Skinless
Before eating, remove the skin from chicken and turkey. If available, choose a boneless, skinless chicken breast or a lean sirloin burger as your main course. I always offer to bring a healthy dish. One of my g0-to BBQ options is Bell & Evans chicken burgers or Trader Joe’s Turkey Burgers. I also love Jennie-O brats and sausages. If you bring a platter of meats to share, most guests will choose a healthy option over meats covered in sugar-filled marinades.
Fitt tip #4: Watch Your Alcohol
Cold beers on a hot day go down nice and easy — but that doesn’t make them calorie free. If you are indulging in alcohol, it’s important to watch your carbohydrates throughout the day. To help reduce your overall calorie intake for the day, give up a few carbs at breakfast and lunch to make up for those ice cold beers! I love a flavored vodka over ice with tons of limes. Sometimes something new can become you new favorite drink!
Fitt tip #5: Don’t let the Name “Salad” Fool You
Avoid potato and macaroni salads — they are loaded in saturated fats, carbs and starches — unless you know they are loaded with chopped veggies and have been made with a low-sugar dressings. Even still, don’t overindulge on the carb-heavy fare. You are aways better off filling up on more lean protein, extra veggies, and healthy fats if that is available. I typically offer to bring a veggie tray with guacamole. That way I can use the guacamole as a salad dressing, on top of burgers, or just to fill up with raw veggies.
Fitt tip #6: Use Whole Wheat Buns
In addition to choosing whole wheat buns over white, eat your burger open-faced (one half of a bun) to even out your protein and carbohydrate ratio. Or even better, skip the bun altogether and load your burger up with veggies and healthy sides. Roasted veggies, corn on the cob, or a sweet potato is always a filling side dish that will not derail your healthy BBQ intensions.
Fitt tip #7: Use your hand to determine Portion Control
Just because your plate is full doesn’t mean you need to eat it all. A serving of protein is usually the size of your fist. Eat about that much for a 4-6 oz portion, and if you are still hungry an extra serving will never derail your progress.
Fitt tip #8: Think Lean Protein
Grilling is actually a low-fat way to prepare food, but only if you choose lower fat options. Hot dogs and ribs, which are typical barbecue fare, are high in fat and calories. Tuna steaks, bison burgers and chicken breasts, on the other hand, are the perfect pick for lean protein sources. My favorite marinate right now is Sweet Baby Ray’s wing sauce. It is amazing on meats, roasted cauliflower, or just about anything you like a little spicy.
BBQ’s can be extremely diet-friendly or can be a complete nightmare depending your mind-set. Focus on catching up with your family and friends along with having a great time! Remember, holidays ARE NOT about the food! They are the perfect time to relax, enjoy the nice weather, make new memories, and laugh until you cry! Always remember…
In 20 seconds the junk will be gone
the taste will be over
&
all that will be left is
Regret
just like last time!
Are you motivated to Eat Yourself Skinny?
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