Tips for Eating Healthy at Summertime Gatherings

                                                 

Summer parties and barbecues are so much fun. You get to go out and enjoy the company of family and friends. Reminisce about days gone by and about what the future may hold. It is a summer tradition for many people. The annual July 4th block party or the family reunion at the lake or even a nice pool party or cookout at a friend’s house, we all look forward to these events. However, when you are trying to watch what you eat and stick to a healthy diet these parties can become something you dread, taking all the fun out of them for you. Although, with these simple tips, you can still go and enjoy yourself, just like you always have!

Eat Before You Leave the House

Prior to leaving for a social event, you should always eat a light meal or snack that is high in protein. Help keep your belly feeling fuller by drinking a large glass of seltzer or ice water just before you eat and right after you arrive at the party.

Avoid Temptations

Preparing a healthy snack and taking it with you is a great way to keep from eating foods that will sabotage your healthy eating. This will allow you to be at peace, knowing you have the ability to indulge in a delicious treat without straying from your healthy eating diet during the party. These would be things such as:

● A high protein, high fiber delectable Italian antipasto with sliced pepperoni, spicy mini peppers, chunks of Parmesan cheese, quartered artichoke hearts and marinated mushrooms

Outsmart the Buffett Table

The food will usually look better than it tastes. Lean proteins including fish, chicken, lean beef, or turkey should fill a quarter of your plate and the other three quarters should be filled with vegetables such as fresh raw vegetables or mixed green salad. Avoid low quality, high carbohydrate food choices such as macaroni salad, breads and pastas.

Just because you are eating healthier, does not mean it is not the last time that you will have foods containing low quality carbs and sugar or get to have a dessert. The choice of cheating or not cheating on your “diet” should be one that is made consciously. The majority of people trying to eat healthier sabotage their efforts by eating just to eat, which leads to overeating.

Be a Social Butterfly

You should make the event a social one by making new friends, visiting with old ones, keeping your mouth moving and staying busy by doing things such as talking and even clearing tables. You should keep it in perspective if you can and eating something that is not healthy does not mean that the entire day or even the entire month has been ruined by eating a few things that you should not. It does not mean you have to go onto a binge of out of control eating. At the next meal, you can start back on the healthy path by making the right choices.


Tammy Mahan has worked in the healthcare field for 20 years. She is also a freelance writer and contributes articles to Healthline.com .