We are finally in the thick of summer. It’s July 1st and here, it feels like it too. It’s HOT. Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year. I don’t know about you guys, but for us that means the holiday festivities span across four entire days. (this isn’t a complaint) But it is a whole-lota’ holiday. So, I’m going to provide you with 7 tips to enjoy multiple cookouts, get togethers and parties without feeling like you need to start July 5th off with a mid-year resolution.
- Drink up buttercup. Water that is. Stay super hydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important enough to deserve reinforcing. I can literally feel the difference in my body when my water intake is at an adequate level. Just stay away from sugary drinks like pop (soda) period. Stick to H2O. It will help keep your body flushed out and functioning well.
- Where’s the beef? Ok, it may be beef. Possibly pork, chicken or even shrimp. But cookouts and Independence Day parties almost always involve grilling some meat. So, unless you don’t eat the stuff, you’ve got a great, guilt free way to fill up. If its burgers or BBQ on the menu I almost always ditch the bun. The actual burger is what I enjoy anyways. So I just load it up with all the awesome fixings and free myself of the bun and all empty calories that go along with it.
- Eat the Greens. Seek out veggies and even fruits. Always strive to get some veggies on your plate. Even if you are only getting a little bit in the veggie department. Some is better than none.
- Don’t “save up.” Guys this one is huge. I use to be totally guilty of this very thing. Have you ever known you are going to a party and there WILL be some awesome food, so, you skip a meal to “save up” and be able to eat more at the event? Don’t do it. Just eat your meals as you normally would. Eat if you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. You are more likely to overdo it a just little this way. Where as skipping a meal to allow for more later will lead to over eating in a very major way.
- Enjoy the company. Try to be conscious of where you are finding your joy. Is it in the company? Are you truly enjoying the people; family and friends surrounding you? Are you creating memories? Or are you finding all of your joy in the food and drinks? Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely do find pleasure in eating! But once you are aware of the source for your joy, you may consciously point it more heavily toward relationships and conversation. You may realize you are actually too full to even enjoy that extra helping of dessert that’s been on your mind and find you’d rather just hear about your sister in law’s latest adventure.
- Don’t Guilt trip yourself. If you want the Summer Shandy, drink the Summer Shandy. Don’t spend your day drinking some less than tasty low calorie beer if it’s not what you want. Eat the dessert if you want it and ENJOY it! Don’t take a helping then sit there feeling guilty while you eat it. The name of the game is moderation. You are more likely to eat and drink in moderation when you are fulfilling your cravings with the real thing, instead of substituting or denying yourself completely.
- Something is always better than nothing. Get up and get some exercise. If you don’t have an hour, that’s fine! Do a few planks. A few pushups and jumping jacks go a long way! There’s always the 7 minute app; you’ve always got 7 minutes! Basically you are better off doing a little something than doing nothing at all. You’ll thank yourself later!
If you look at health as a lifestyle instead of a diet you are more likely to enjoy yourself and make better choices. You will find pleasure in eating without the guilt and comfortably enjoy the people around you and conversations you are having with them. Living a life of health and moderation is so rewarding because it’s consistent without the yo-yo effect most of us get used to. I hope these tips will help you get the most enjoyment out of the holiday! Blessings!
