With the unofficial start to summer upon us, it’s time to start planning backyard cookouts, pool parties, and outdoor gatherings. You don’t have to sacrifice your healthy diet for summer activities and FitClub has a few tricks to help you have the healthiest summer of your life.
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Bring the veggies. When you’re asked to bring a dish to a backyard barbeque this year, volunteer for the veggie side. Fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market make healthy, tasty summer side dishes without adding tons of calories to your plate. As you fill your plate, be sure to start with your veggie dish and load up. Keeping your plate full of vegetables will keep you fuller and feeling more satisfied and less likely to reach for a sugary treat later in the afternoon.
Include activity into your party. Think like a kid when you plan your summer activities this summer. What are the kids generally doing at a backyard cookout in the summer? They are running, playing tag, catching fireflies, or riding their bikes. Just because you’re not a kid anymore doesn’t mean your summer parties can’t incorporate enough physical activity to burn a few calories. Coordinating fun, physical activities can help you sneak in an extra workout even when you have guests over. Invite your friends for a relay race, a game of tag (it’s not just for kids!), or take your social gathering to the bike trail to catch up.
Drink more water, less sugar. Whatever your plans this summer, be sure that you’re staying hydrated the right way with more plain water than sugary, sweet drinks. Sugary drinks, whether soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, are calorie bombs. No matter how healthy your plate looks, if you’re drinking more calories than you’re burning you’re going to gain a few pounds. Instead, opt for plain water as often as possible or a sugar-free seltzer water when you need a little pick me up. Eliminating empty calories in your cup can help you avoid any unwanted summer weight gain.
Celebrate all things in moderation. If you’re mindful of your diet and exercise, you don’t have to avoid all fun summer social gatherings. Paying attention to your portion sizes and choosing your treats more wisely will help you ward off unwanted weight gain without a sense that you’re missing out on fun summer activities. Most of the summer’s best flavors are fresh fruits and garden-fresh vegetables, which allow you to feel satisfied without worry. If homemade ice cream is your summer treat, do be mindful of portion control, measure your serving, and reserve the sweet treat for a special occasion, rather than every sunny day.
Summer can be the easiest season to get or stay in shape if you’re mindful of enjoying a party without the calorie overload. What tricks do you use to get through the weekend barbecues while maintaining your healthy goals?
