5 Easy Tips for the BBQ

Although summer time is winding down it is certainly one of my favorite seasons. What makes it my favorite is the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, while doing some good old-fashioned barbequing on the grill. The weight loss journey has its peaks and valleys. Therefore, a family barbeque can throw us for a loop; but there are ways to decrease the damage of social eating at a BBQ:

1. Eat before you go. You may be considered rude and slightly offensive, but eating before you go will curb the temptation of you digging into dishes that are obviously detrimental to your health. Force people to understand that you are currently “changing your lifestyle” and that you would rather just “pass” on their world famous—and highly fattening—potato salad and macaroni and cheese.

2. Dress up your meals. Dress your meals with tons of vegetables and skip the unhealthy condiments such as mayonnaise or creamy dressings.

3. When all else fails, stick with the vegetable tray. If you are feeling uncomfortable and worried about how a dish has been prepared, stick with eating raw fruits and veggies only (most people have veggie and fruit trays at BBQs).

4. No buns please. Ask for your meat without the bun. White, starchy breads loaded with enriched bleached flour and high fructose corn syrup. It’s better just to skip the bread.

5. Participate in physical activities. We all know those people who go to BBQs just to eat and play a hand of cards. Poker may be fun, but participating in more physical activities is best. Try badminton, volleyball, or a nice walk around the neighborhood after eating.