The 4th of July is just a day away and is filled with annual traditions, everything from patriotic parades, barbecues with friends and family, and nighttime firework shows. If you’re having any anxiety or worries about staying on track with your healthy eating this Independence Day, try some of the tips below.
1. Eat before you go
Eating something healthy before you go can be a great way to avoid arriving to the barbecue on an empty stomach. This will help you to avoid overeating once you get there. It can also give you the opportunity to eat healthier choices that may not be available there (for example a green salad or grilled veggies).
2. Bring a healthier dish with you
Most barbecues have an ample supply of hamburgers, hotdogs, potato chips, macaroni and potato salad and soda. Think about bringing something else that’s typically not served. For example bring some whole wheat buns for the hamburgers, vegetable kebabs to roast on the grill, green salad, or a sugar free alternative to soda like watermelon mint infused water. Check with the host to see what is being served, that way you can bring a healthy option that’s currently not on the menu. Your healthier option will not only be a benefit to you, but also everyone in attendance.
3. Allow yourself a small treat
Moderation and balance is key to mastering a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you only limit and restrict yourself, you may set yourself up for failure by overindulging later on. It’s human nature, if you tell yourself that you can’t have something, you’re likely to want it even more than if you hadn’t put the restriction in place. Keep your portions small so you don’t set yourself back with too many calories, etc. For example just doing a single scoop or 1/2 cup of ice cream or a 2 inch square (about 2 oz) piece of cake will allow you to enjoy a treat without beating yourself up for it later on.
Try implementing one of these healthy tips tomorrow and see where it leaves you. I hope you find at least one of these tips helpful for staying on track with your healthy diet while still getting to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. Happy Independence Day.
Royally yours,
The Diet Duchess