Staying
healthy and sticking to your goals throughout the summer months can be a
challenge. This is especially true when you have a calendar full of cookouts,
vacations & parties!
However,
it can be simple if you just stick to a few of the tips below. Alrighty, here
we go – how to eat healthy at your next cookout!
Ensure Your Meal is Satisfying &
Balanced.
Try and
load up your plate with lots of veggies, whole grains & lean protein. Then
just go light on processed items, like crackers, bread, and chips. Also stick
to a smaller portion of heavy side dishes like pasta & potato salad.
However,
don’t deprive yourself, if there is something you really want, go for it! It is
much better to have it and feel satisfied instead of leaving the cookout with
cravings!
Find New Ways to Add Flavor
You don't
have to add loads of butter or salt to give your food flavor. Everyone loves
corn at a cookout however they are usually brushed in copious amounts of butter.
Why not try smoking them?
This adds
a ton of flavor without any unnecessary fats or oils. If your using a pellet
smoker, cook for 30 minutes or until tender, if you like it a bit crunchy try
45 minutes. You can also try eggplant, peppers & mushrooms, all these
veggies take on a delicious smoky flavor.
Give Yourself Time
After your
first plate give yourself 20 minutes, it takes that long for your brain to
register your meal and send the messages to the rest of your body. If you're
still hungry after 20 minutes, grab some more protein and veggies to make sure
you feel satisfied!
Bring A
Healthy Dish to Share
This one
is a no brainer and a top tip. If you bring a healthy dish that you enjoy,
you'll know for sure that there will be at least one healthy option on the
offer. Not only that you will be able to introduce your family and friends to
some new yummy recipes, like this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken With Avocado Salsa
Hostess with the Mostess
If your
entertaining makes sure you provide some healthy snacks. You don’t have to win
your guests over with fried goodies! Why not try prosciutto wrapped prawns or watermelon, feta & blueberry skewers. Having two or three of
these little snacks will feel really indulgent and will keep your guests from
feeling too full to enjoy the rest of your meal.
Make Friends with Dessert.
Your
cookout doesn’t have to be all hotdogs and burgers! Try brushing some plums,
pineapples, and peaches with a little bit of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon.
These
little bites only need 4-8 minutes on the grill depending on the heat. You can
serve them with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and a sprig of
mint.
Always Stay Hydrated
Ensuring
you drink enough water is important. However, during the summer months, it is
essential you stay on top of your hydration. Being out in the sun or drinking
might mean you need to drink even more water. Make sure you take a reusable
water bottle and remember to keep it topped up.
Rather Than Indulge in Everything, Pick
One Thing!
A really
useful strategy is to pick one indulged component. That might be dessert, apps
or alcohol. If you want to treat yourself to a cocktail or wine relinquish
dessert. However, if there is something that is really calling your name for
dessert, skip the glass of wine.
Don’t Loiter Around the Food table.
Try not to
continually graze, eat your main meal and enjoy it. If you hang out by the food
table you might end up mindlessly munching away just because the food is there
not because you are actually hungry.
Focus on Your Friends & Family
Rather the
food be the main focus of the party try playing some fun games. Some fun lawn
games include kickball, cornhole, badminton, volleyball or croquet. If you’re
lucky to have a pool, throw on your swimwear and splash about with the kids
like a pool party!
It is
important to relax and enjoy all your summertime events! There is no need to
get too wrapped up in following rules all the time! If you try to make good
choices 70% of the time, you will have some wiggle so that you can indulge but
still feel great!
