Avoid overeating at summer BBQ’s



Happy Canada Day! I hope that you enjoyed the day and were able to celebrate with family and friends.  I have to admit that I struggle to eat well over the summer, with all of the BBQ's and cottage drinks my resolve diminishes and I think maybe I will give myself a break over the summer.  A “cheat day” every so often where you let yourself have a few treats is a great strategy to keep you on the healthy eating track in the long term but weeks of “treats” will make you feel tired and disappointed with yourself.

Here are a few tips that I am going to try over my summer holiday that I hope will help us both stay on the healthy eating track (most of the time anyway)

1. Bring something healthy: The mistake that I made for a Canada Day BBQ that I went to yesterday was make and bring oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies.  I snacked on the batter during the creation of the cookie and found myself wandering over to them throughout the party for “just one”.  Next BBQ I plan to bring a fruit or veggie tray.
2. Drink lots of water: Drinking water is so important for your bodies’ digestion, muscle recovery and brain health.  If you are drinking alcohol make sure to drink one water for every alcoholic drink and sip slowly.
3. Stand away from the appetizers: The kiss of death for me is to socialize standing next to the appetizers.  The best bet is either not to have any or stick to the healthy stuff and plan your one treat for the night.
4. Eat before you go: Limiting your calories throughout the day and showing up to the BBQ hungry is a recipe for overeating.  When your blood sugar gets low your brain will crave the things that will increase blood sugar quickly such as sugars and fats.  Have a healthy snack before heading out to the party.
5. Keep moving: Suggest an after dinner walk after dinner—it may even get you out of the dinner dishes…

Good Luck

Erin

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