June 21st officially ushered in Summer, and already it’s another holiday with more festivities. Yep, the 4th of July is here along with another temptation to over indulge with grilling out, hot dogs, chips, burgers, beer, apple pie, and it’s all good. Well … except for the extra calories and, maybe, the extra weight we pick up and may need to lose after the weekend.
Keeping up with my exercise routine is necessary for managing my weight over the summer but even if I get off schedule, I don’t sweat it. We all gain weight at times and, if I’m careful, I can shave those pounds off again with intelligent exercise.
When I’m having a picnic or a party, I try to plan some activities to get us moving. A flag football or basketball game, tossing a frisbee, playing volleyball or swimming are all great ways to have fun while moving around.
Never fear, there are some easy things we can do to benefit from healthy lifestyle choices while still enjoying the summer. When I belly up to the picnic table it's tempting to eat everything in sight, but I can avoid going crazy if I:
Munch on fruits, veggies or other healthy choices before going after the fatty foods. I’ll bring my own to share at the picnic. This way I eat less of the junk foods, but still save room to “sample” them.
Splurge on the things reserved for holidays like homemade ice cream or apple pie. I try to gravitate away from the chips, crackers and other snacks I can get any time.
Once I fill the plate, I migrate somewhere away from the food. Many of us graze mindlessly if there's food nearby, so get what you need, eat slowly and give yourself plenty of time (20 minutes) to feel full so you don't go back for seconds or thirds. Using a smaller plate is also a trick I use to cut down on my portions.
The ice cold brews are another opportunity to moderate, especially when it's hot outside. Unfortunately, alcohol can add more calories to your waistline than you might think. It can also dehydrate you, which is riskier if it's hot outside. Try drinking a glass of water between beverages.
Many of us go all day without eating in anticipation of a party, but if you show up starving, you're much more likely to overeat. Eat small, healthy meals or maybe a protein bar before you go so you can make better choices and avoid temptation.
Making choices that benefit my health doesn’t mean I can't have any fun. Holidays are a time to enjoy yourself and by doing it reasonably, I make the holiday guilt-free.
