How to Keep Weight off this Summer

June 11, 7:08 PMHouston Health ExaminerJillian Holden

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Houston Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

For many, summertime instantly brings back images of backyard barbeques, crawfish boils, and cool glasses of lemonade while sitting on the back porch. Although these events may contain some of our greatest memories, they may also be why we are unable to keep weight off, returning to the fun of cheese dip, links, and ice cream on the beach when we’ve spent an entire year fighting against their calorie loaded devilry. Here are some tips on what to watch out for as you prepare for summertime fun.

1. Barbeque can be dangerous. Meat-oriented, barbeque is one of the most highly famed, fattening events of the summer season. On average, a 20 oz. T-bone steak cashes in at a whopping 540 calories, 124 coming directly from fat. Let’s not forget the party favorites though. Hamburgers, links, bratwurst, and hot dogs all come highly loaded in calories and with a massive amount of sodium. If you are looking for a healthier option, the majority of stores offer leaner versions of beef, Oscar Meyers has fat free wieners and bratwurst, and you can even give a turkey or vegan burger a shot if you’re feeling brave.

2. Drink safely. No doubt about it, Texas can make you sweat. Now that it’s summer, we’ll all be outside more, doing yard work, having pool parties, and playing at the park. Stay hydrated, but don’t try to keep the body going on liquor, tea, and soda. It is extremely unhealthy, and it will add pounds to your thighs just like a meal would, its sugars and carbohydrates surpassing the daily amount while leaving you hungry, and often thirsty. Definitely not fair. Long island ice teas, margaritas, and daiquiris pack a hard punch, banking anywhere from 245-800 calories each, but wines, a wine spritzer, or seltzer mixed with fruit juice are fair play, their vast variety and fruity flavors low in calorie and good for the colon.

3. Watch what you eat at the game. Many of us already have plans for the summer. Whether it is to root for the Astros, to visit a theme park, or even to go to the movies, the ever-tantalizing scent of nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels is in the air. Be strong. Don’t blow six months of hard work on cheese fries and ice cream in a hat. But also, don’t make yourself miserable. Dieting isn’t a lifetime of unhappiness, it is learning to eat right and in moderation. If you see something that you can’t resist, ask if someone will share it with you, or just sample some of the things that your friends try. Either way, have fun!