Summer’s barbecue and picnic season has finally arrived. And after a year of social isolation, there will be more events than ever now that everything is opening back up! After weeks of daily workouts, self-care, and sticking to your macros it's finally time to show your friends how great you look & feel! BUT you’re heading straight into a season of burgers, hot dogs, chips, sodas, creamy sides, desserts, and every other food you’ve been trying to limit or even avoid.
Here are our tips for enjoying summer barbecues without derailing all the hard work you've been doing!
1. Veggies, veggies, veggies!
Summer vegetables are your best friend during the summer months — mainly because you can enjoy unlimited amounts of delicious raw veggies in unlimited ways. Instead of reaching for the chips, head over to the vegetable platter and load up. Add a light dip, like hummus, to spice it up!
Fill up on a large salad, packed with leafy greens and plenty of colorful veggies, before digging into the main course. Lastly, don't forget about all those delicious grilled veggies! Great summer vegetables to grill include:
zucchini, squash, corn, mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and more!
2. Fill up on lean meats
Since you’re at a barbecue, you’re going to be surrounded by protein-packed meats, which fill you up better than carbohydrates. Opt for lean meat, such as chicken or beef.
3. Stay hydrated
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids such as herbal tea and fruit-infused water, throughout the day to stay hydrated. Keep a reusable water bottle near you throughout the BBQ to ensure you're sipping all day long! Beware of summertime drinks that are loaded with sugar, and alcoholic beverages that are packed with empty calories, which act as appetite stimulants. If you chose to drink alcohol, just remember to drink water in between and be cognizant of how these drinks fit into your daily diet.
4. Everything in moderation
As long as you indulge in appropriate portion sizes, you won’t wreak havoc on your journey to health. Keep the entire amount of not-so-healthy sides to about one cup — about the size of your fist.
5. Get up and play
Swimming, dancing, bean bag toss, football, Koob, basketball— there’s an abundance of outdoor activities you can do to burn calories, enjoy yourself, and keep yourself away from the dessert table.
Lastly, remember summer picnics and gatherings are a chance to spend quality time with your family and friends and to celebrate summer! It's not about the food, it's about having fun and enjoying quality time with loved ones. Don't get too caught up in what you can and cannot eat and aim to have fun!
