Tips for a delicious and healthusiast-approved 4th of July!

Hey, everyone!

Happy last day of June! Can you believe that tomorrow is JULY!? June just flew by! Any fun plans for the holiday weekend?! I am pretty pleased that I get to celebrate America's birthday with a four-day weekend. Thank you, powers that be, for making that happen!

With the 4th of July right around the corner, it gets harder to ignore that recurring dilemma: what oh what shall I bring to that BBQ?? C'mon, I know you're struggled with whether to err on the side of health or throw in the towel in favor of a creamy potato salad or red-white-and-blue cupcakes! No one wants to be labeled the health nut who brings a veggie platter, am I right?!

I'm sure we've all been there. Inevitably, there will be some unhealthy choices at your BBQ, and it's up to you whether you've got a game plan going in. Here are a few tips I've curated over the years that work really well to strike that perfect balance between having an enjoyable time and indulging in something I wouldn't normally eat and keeping things in check so I don't overdo it and immediately regret it:


1) Always have a game plan, and try to stick to it. I find it helps me to either write it down, or say it to myself out loud. It's psychological, but it makes me feel like I'm making a promise for my own well-being, and I don't like the way it feels to lie to myself.

2) Eat some veggies and drink a lot of water before heading to the fiesta so you'll feel full right off the bat. Add some fibrous fruit, too, because fiber makes you feel full. Stick to veggies that have a high water content, like celery, lettuce, cucumber, etc. Maybe make yourself a bonafide salad! Tip for later: always keep a piece of fruit or chopped veggies in your bag. You never know when you might be craving something to nibble on, but have exhausted that buffet!

3) Tell yourself, out loud or in writing, what you are allowing yourself to have. Since you don't know for sure what treats will be there, it might give you the most freedom and make you feel the least deprived if you allow yourself to fill up a small plate so you get to "sample" everything that looks yummy.

4)  Once you've finished your "sampler," give yourself some time to digest. Then, if you're still hungry after 15 minutes or so, pick 1-2 things that you just loved and have to have some more of, and go up and help yourself to a reasonable portion of that thing/each thing. Use a small plate to help you keep your portions in check. Tell yourself, either out loud (preferably out of others' earshot!) or in writing, that you have enjoyed everything you've tried, and that you don't need anything more.

5) If, later on, you're feeling really snacky, stick to the the veggies and fruits. If there aren't any left or never were any to begin with, grab that piece of fruit or veggies from your bag and feast without guilt!

I hope these tips help you make the healthiest of choices at your upcoming BBQ or picnic! If for some reason you can't stick to a game plan and indulge a little too much, don't let it get you down too much! Get back on the saddle the following day and remind yourself how much better you will feel as the healthiest version of yourself!

Enjoy!