4th of July Fitness Tips

6 Tips For Not Regretting Your
4th of July BBQ

Holidays are for
celebrating and are meant to be enjoyed, but you don’t have to sacrifice your
health or beach body every time you attend a BBQ. These 6 BBQ survival tips can
save you hundreds of calories you won’t even miss, and keep your health and
fitness goals on track.

6
Healthy Eating Tips For Your 4th of July BBQ

1. Use small plates

Research
clearly shows that people who choose smaller plates and utensils eat less without even
noticing it.
The difference can be as substantial as 50% fewer calories consumed, yet everyone
reports the same level of fullness and satisfaction. Try borrowing a plate from
the kids table or the dessert tray.

2. Eat slowly and mindfully

People
who eat more slowly eat
fewer calories over the course of a meal. BBQs are a perfect opportunity to
pace yourself as you mix and mingle with friends and family. The more you’re
chatting, the less you’re eating.

3. Eat healthiest foods first

If
you are eating slowly and off small plates, you may as well fill up on the
healthiest stuff first. Salads are a great place to start because watery
vegetables slow digestion and have very few calories. Try to choose something
with oil and protein as well, because these will help you feel full sooner.

4. Skip the chips, crackers and bread

Refined
carbohydrates are the worst things you can eat because they offer little
satisfaction, loads of calories and dangerous insulin spikes. BBQs are filled
with wonderful food, so do yourself a favor and save your calories for the
really good stuff.

You don’t have to eat
your burger without a bun, but pass on the pointless chips and other snacks
that lure you when you’re not thinking. If you’re feeling bored, grab a Frisbee
instead.

5. Keep dessert small

The
difference between a large slice of cake and a smaller slice of cake can
literally be hundreds of calories. And to reiterate, sugar and refined
carbohydrates are the most dangerous foods. You don’t have to pass on dessert
completely, but keep your portion sizes in check for this course.

6. Think before you drink

There
is a place for alcohol in a healthy lifestyle, but making smart choices can be
the difference between losing or gaining weight (not to mention your
self-control). One sugary margarita can have 600-800 calories. That means 3
margaritas is more food than you should be consuming in an entire day. Is that
really worth it? Stick with wine or beer, drink plenty of water and remember to
pace yourself.

Small
tricks can save you hundreds and potentially thousands of wasted calories that
you will never notice or miss. Why sacrifice a good time when you can be more
mindful of your health and nutrition during the Holiday’s.