Health Tips for Holiday Cookouts

Hamburgers 🍔 , hot dogs, 🌭 and beer 🍺 Oh My
How do you stay healthy when they’re serving pie?

Sorry, I couldn’t resist, but seriously. Summer cookouts can be a setup for weight loss disasters. If you’re like me, I couldn’t choose between a hamburger, hot dog, brat, or chicken, so throughout the cookout, I would have to try them all! Same with the chips and sides. At the end of the day, I felt bloated and uncomfortable. Not to mention I consumed thousands of calories!

If you’re working on your health goals and even if you’re not, I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did. So here are some health tips for holiday celebrations!

1. Be aware that cookouts can pack thousands of calories that we would not normally indulge in.
2. Do not skip meals or save calories for the “big meal”. That sets you up to overeat!!! Fuel your body throughout the day!
3. If going to a party or cookout, bring a healthy, plan freely appetizer and side dish. If you are throwing the party, have lots of vegetables available, instead of chips only. Prepare lower fat dips and offer salsa.
4. Be mindful of your portions and choose NOT to have the desert, especially if you’re like me and can’t just have one bite. 😉 It’s better not to taste at all! If you do want some things sweet, bring a box of sugar- free popsicles to share with the crowd or one bite of a dessert.
5. Add an extra brisk 15-minute walk in several times this weekend. Plan active physical activities such as bike riding or taking a hike instead of sitting around and talking or watching TV.
6. Stay away from high calorie beverages such as sodas, juices, smoothies, and blended coffee drinks. There are nearly 150 calories in one 12-ounce can of soda or juice. Smoothies and coffee drinks are often 250-500 calories, excluding the whipped cream. Alcohol is packed full of calories and carbs. It can also cause you to let down your defenses and overeat or make poor food choices.
7. If the holiday party is at your house, send some of the leftovers home with your guests, especially the desserts!!
8. Remember to put the focus on people and conversation and eat slowly, which will help you to eat less and feel full and satisfied.
9. During holiday weekends, make your goal to maintain your weight and not to gain any! Don’t let your cravings take control of you.
10. Have a Happy and Healthy Memorial Day weekend!