The season of summer picnics and BBQs is in full swing! It can sometimes seem like you have to make a choice between being social or eating healthy. But we like to think that you can do both!
The key is to come up with strategies to help you stick with your healthy eating plan AND enjoy the company of your friends and family. One of the biggest summer celebrations is coming up next weekend for Fourth of July, and it’s the perfect time to put your plan into action.
Here are a few tips for sticking with your diet this Fourth of July:
Remember why you are celebrating. The purpose of holiday get-togethers is to spend time with family and friends. Food is just a plus! So don’t let food become the focus when you are there to celebrate with loved ones.
Don’t go on an empty stomach. When you are hungry, you are much more likely to give into temptations on the dessert table. But if you eat before you go (whether it’s a full meal or just a snack or two), you’ll be thinking with your head not your stomach and will be able to make smarter choices.
Start with salad. Fill up half of your plate with salad and other veggies and eat them first before allowing yourself to indulge in less healthy options. That way you ensure you’ve had your greens and won’t need as much ice cream or hot dogs to satisfy you.
Eat mindfully and slowly. Don’t rush through one food to get to the next one. Enjoy what you are eating! By staying mindful and present while you are eating you won’t be as likely to deviate from your healthy eating plan.
Be active and stay away from the buffet. The more you linger around the food table, the more likely you’ll be to eat just because it’s there. Instead, play a game of kickball with the kids, go for a walk, or throw a frisbee or a football around!
Be prepared. It’s helpful not to go in blind to social situations. Instead, come up with a plan of action. Call a coach and discuss your plan ahead of time. A coach can give you helpful strategies and motivation to stick with your healthy eating plan, even when faced with that tempting chocolate cake.
Schedule a free session with one of our expert health coaches today!
