It's summertime and you know what that means...BBQ time!!!
I can't believe it's already summer! Going to BBQ's used to be such a struggle for me because I was always trying to stay on track, watch what I ate and make sure I was feeling as bikini ready as possible by crash dieting before it was time to hit the beach. Looking back I cringe...how miserable was that!?
Summer, and BBQ's with friends, should be FUN!! And that is exactly what this summertime has been so far!
I no longer stress about "dieting" because I've changed my lifestyle to incorporate health into my daily routine...not just a month before an event!! I believe in everything in moderation, I eat lots of yummy food and I even enjoy a few glasses of sangria with the girls, but I make sure to fill the majority of my plate with healthy options to make up for it!
As I go to more and more BBQ's, and even host some myself, I can't help but think...what are some tips I would have told "old Shana" to avoid the starving and guilt of splurging a little? So I came up with my top tips for a healthy BBQ, and you'll be surprised just how simple they are!!
1 - Don't go hungry! Eat a healthy snack before you go so you don't show up wanting to snack on everything in sight!
2 - Pick ONE...chips and dip OR a few drinks. Then stick to it...and whichever you pick do it in moderation!!
3 - Skip the pasta salad and baked beans and eat the veggies and salad instead. {Beware fatty, creamy dressings and croutons on that salad too!}
4 - Skip the dinner plate and go for the salad plate to portion out your food. Bigger plates = taking more food than you need!
5 - Choose fruit for dessert! Strawberries and a little Cool Whip are a healthier, easy option!
And my TOP TIP...
If you feel like there won't be any healthy options there for you...offer to bring a dish! That way you know you'll have at least one thing that will fill you up and keep you feeling great!
What are YOUR top tips for a healthy BBQ? Let me know in the comments below so I can add them to my arsenal!
