Nutritionist Tips for Eating Clean On July 4th (or really any summer barbeque!)
By Nutritional Weight & Wellness Staff
July 3, 2015
There are a few things we can count on each 4th of July, warm weather, fireworks, swimming…and barbeques. All in all a perfect combination, but what happens when that barbeque or potluck table is laden with ice cream, sugary drinks or bags of chips?
With that in mind our Nutritional Weight & Wellness nutritionists chimed in with tips as you prepare your potluck contribution or peruse the barbeque table.
- Make sure to have a good day of balanced eating the day before the event so it is easier to avoid all the chips, cookies, bars and buns that are often apart of a holiday barbeque. Also, I often have a balanced snack (a protein, good fat and carb) right before I leave for the party so I know my blood sugar will be stable and I'll be cravings free. – Lea
- Trans fats are very inflammatory, so when I see tempting foods such as store-bought pie, packaged cookies, and Cool Whip®, I imagine a big skull and cross bones over that food. Trans fat do not go on my plate. – Brenna
- Avoid high-sugar drinks by bringing your own drink to the party. Flavored sparkling waters are a great, refreshing drink on hot days. I bring one everywhere! You can find unique flavors like Raspberry Lime, Blueberry Lemonade and Cucumber Melon. Bonus, staying hydrated will help curb cravings. – Jamie
- Plan ahead by bringing a balanced dish to share, our Crunchy Broccoli Salad would work perfectly. Pair that with a hamburger patty and you’ll have a healthy balance of protein/fat/carb. – Lea
- Another option to bring to a barbeque would be to compile a veggie tray and make our super Simple Ranch Dressing. – Jamie
What would you add?
Let us know what you try or what tips and tricks have worked for you. Here’s one more tip, if you’re interested in nutrition and balanced eating, schedule a counseling session with our nutritionists to learn more.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend with your family and friends wherever you are celebrating!
