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A Grilling Good Time
Plan Ahead of Time
Most times you are going to know in advance when a cookout or holiday is coming up. Since you know this, it is easier to plan your cheat meal ahead of time. If you plan to use the Memorial Day BBQ you’re going to as your cheat meal, by all means, enjoy yourself but don’t forget to exercise portion control even with your cheat meals.
Keep in mind the amount of sugar in Baked Beans and Potato Salad. If you have Macaroni & Cheese (starch filled and cheesy soooo good) put very small portions on your plate and refrain from indulging with these sides.
Bring Healthy to the Unhealthy
If you do not want to use your cheat meal for the cookout, bring a healthy dish. This creates a win-win situation, you will have a healthy option to eat, and you are also, contributing to the cookout. The host/hostess will be very appreciative of your consideration and willingness to contribute.
Can I Get a Special Order Please?
You can always ask the host/hostess to put a couple of pieces of meat to the side without BBQ sauce on them for you. Even if you like BBQ sauce on your meat it is best to add a small amount on the side of your plate and dip the meat into the sauce. This is a great way to use portion control with your condiments.
Bring shish kabobs, a few pieces of Fish or Salmon, and/or vegetables to be put on the grill. People will respect that you are trying to stay focused with your eating. They will probably commend you for your mental toughness and willpower to overcome the many temptations at the cookout, so be that motivation!
Filling Up Your Plate (decisions, decisions)
Healthy Grilling Choices
Make sure your plate is primarily filled with vegetables. You may have cooked or raw vegetables. Mindfully snacking on a fruit or veggie tray before your meal can also be beneficial. This will help fill you up, resulting in eating less food during your meal.
Drinking water before you begin to eat will also help you feel full and reduce your chances of overeating.
Lean protein is important as well but it should only take up 1/4 of your plate. Chicken, Fish, or Turkey are great choices, but lean steak is ok too. Just remember not too much.
Small Takeaways to Help Prevent Total Sacrifices
Substitute your bun with lettuce on your burger. Skip the hot dog bun and simply add your hot dog toppings on the side of your plate. Stir your toppings together and dip your hot dog into them, it will still taste the same.
Instead of potato salad, mix a couple of different fruits together and enjoy them. The coolness and sweetness of the fruit will satisfy you like the potato salad, and it is much healthier.
After the Cookout
Following these tips will prevent you from possible weight gain, great regret, and killing yourself in the gym the next day, or starving yourself as punishment for the food you just couldn’t resist at the barbecue. As you continue to implement these tips, making these small changes will become easier and rewarding, as well. You will feel better about yourself and be another step closer to becoming beach body ready!!
What are some tips you have to eat healthy at cookouts? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
2 Comments
Great timing considering the holiday. Excellent wake me up reminder before i eat
Hi Larry, sometimes a little reminder is what it takes to help keep us on track. Often times we tend to overeat and choose the wrong foods because it is a holiday or special occasion so I wanted to write this and share tips that will help as summer approaches. Thank you for sharing.
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