3 Strategies to Stay Slim at Your Memorial Day BBQ

Happy Memorial Day!

Today is a day to enjoy family and friends, good food and with no regrets.

We all love a good BBQ although sometimes that may mean overindulging and packing on a few pounds!

If you are trying to watch your weight, then here are a few strategies for you to enjoy the day without ruining your diet.

1. Plan your day. 
It’s all tempting—the chips and dip, sodas, burgers, potato salad, and your favorite desserts. So plan your day either the night before or in the morning, and decide ahead of time what you will and won’t eat. You don’t need to count calories but try to make wise decisions. Plan you day so that you are never too hungry, as that’s when you can end up making high-fat/calorie choices.

2.  Don’t drink your calories. There are more calories in beverages than you realize. Too many sodas, beers, or margaritas can end up being more dangerous than the high-fat foods you are avoiding. Consider the calories packed in drinks like cosmos or fruity concoctions; instead opt for light beer, and wines over spirits. It’s also important to drink water, as alcohol and sodas dehydrate your body. So if you are going to enjoy light beer or wine, have a glass of water in between each drink, and avoid the soda’s completely.  Stay well hydrated on hot days and bring your own bottled water.

3. Make the best choices possible. 
If burgers and hot dogs are on the menu, consider ditching the bun. Keep an eye on the sauces as well. Many BBQ sauces, dips, and condiments are full of simple sugars that’ll head right to your hips. Allow yourself to sample the different foods, but choose wisely. Snack on fresh fruit and load up on the green salad. When you fill up on healthy foods, you’re less likely to over indulge in the high-fat options.

Once the day is over, if you find that you ended up making bad choices, let it go, forgive yourself and start fresh tomorrow. Avoid feeling guilt, as that can be just as bad for your body as the bad food choices you made. Let all feelings of guilt go, and know that tomorrow you can get back on track making better choices again.