● Don’t Go to the Party Hungry
Be sure to have a light healthy meal or snack before you leave for the BBQ. It’s a great strategy to curb any temptations.
● Watch Your Portion Sizes
If you are going to indulge, be sure to watch your portion sizes. Try filling a small side plate instead of a large dinner plate as a way to monitor the amount you eat.
Eat slowly! The slower you eat, the less food you’ll consume
Use your hand to determine portion control:
● Just Have a Taste
If you do want to indulge in that delectable dessert or sugary frozen beverage, why not just have a taste of something and leave those last few bites aside. It’s a great way to save calories.
● Turn a classic BBQ dish into a healthy option by…
Loading your burger with veggie toppers instead of cheese, bacon or condiments.
Cut calories by dressing your potato salad with olive oil, vinegar and herbs instead of creamy dressing
Serve extra-lean meats like chicken and turkey burgers
Steer clear of white hamburger or hot dog buns and opt for whole grain choices
Over dose on veggies and fruit instead of chips and dips.
● Go Easy on Garnishes
Ketchup, BBQ sauces and mayo are full of sugar and fat. Just one tablespoon of mayo contains 90 calories and 10 grams of fat.
Opt for mustards and salsas for your toppings
● Drink it up
Try to limit yourself to one or two alcoholic beverages by drinking a glass of water between every one.
Drink out of a tall glass to make it last longer
Dilute your sugary beverage with water or club soda
● Sneak in Exercise
If you’re attending the BBQ, walk or bike there. Or if you know you’re going to “cheat” at the party, be sure to fit in a workout earlier that day.
Get active at the festivity. Organize a game of Frisbee or badminton. Start a dance party to get people moving.
Don’t skip your workout the next day. If you do overindulge, get right back into your normal routine immediately.
● Be the Hostess with the Mostess
Be specific with your guests and suggest bringing a healthy dish to your soiree
Go beyond the typical hamburger/hotdog menu and try serving salmon or extra lean meats, lots of veggie dishes and fruit for dessert. Make it fun with vegetable kebabs on the grill.
Instead of potato salads and coleslaw try quinoa or buckwheat salads and barbeque jacket potatoes instead of chips.
Plan an activity for your guests to keep them active
In episode 2: I visit The Running Room & learn how to pick the best running shoes.
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