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Nutrition tips for summer cookouts
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The summer cookout season is in full swing and many of us will be going out to backyard parties and family gatherings. Here are a few tips to keep you looking good in that bathing suit.
1) Set reasonable goals before going to the cookout.
Follow the SMART goal setting procedures to put together goals before you get to your event. Be sure to write the goals down to solidify your commitment to them. It can also help to share your goals with someone who is going with you to the event so you have an increased sense of accountability.
2) Don’t skip meals prior to the event.
Make sure that you follow your normal meal schedule leading up to the cookout. It might even help to eat a small meal before you go so that you are less hungry and less likely to snack on the various types of “party foods” such as chips and dips. Many times people anticipate eating more at a party so they purposely eat less prior to which can lead to overdoing it even more.
3) Chew gum before and after your meal.
This may sound like dental advice, however, it can also be a great technique to avoid excess calorie intake. Make sure that when you arrive at the party you are chewing a piece of gum. As long as you have gum in your mouth you won’t be snacking. Then once you have eaten your meal, put another piece of gum in your mouth to avoid going back for seconds.
4) Avoid sampling foods that you have trouble controlling.
We all have those certain foods that are like the old potato chip commercial, “bet you can’t eat just one”. Avoid getting started with foods that cause you to want more once you’ve had a taste. These can be dangerous at parties where there are generally large quantities of everything. If you know you can’t just have one, then it’s probably better to not have any.
5) Moderate your alcohol consumption.
Not only does alcohol contain a great deal of calories in itself, but it also is metabolized first leaving all the other calories you consume with it more likely to be stored as fat. Also, as we all know, alcohol impairs our judgment making it more difficult to resist temptation and stick to our goals.
6) Try to find the healthiest meal options.
Sometimes it can be difficult to find “weight loss friendly” foods at a cookout. Go for grilled chicken, fish, or lean cut beef if they are an option. If you are having hot dogs and hamburgers you can always pass on the bun. Look for vegetable platters and salads, not the mayonnaise salads, the kind with lettuce.
7) Control your portion sizes.
How much you eat is more important than what you are eating. It’s ok to enjoy cookout foods like potato salad or baked beans as long as you stick to reasonable portions. Limit yourself to one plate, start with salad or fresh vegetables and your meat. Then put a small portion of the higher calorie foods in the remaining space.
For more info or to contact Brian visit: ttfitness.com
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