Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! We all know holidays are meant for indulging, and I’m not here to rain on your parade.
In fact, I have some fantastic tips to help you enjoy your favorite foods guilt-free and keep that waistline in check. So, let’s dive right in!
1. Don’t skip breakfast – just delay it
We all know that feeling of arriving at a party starving and ready to devour everything in sight. To avoid this, delay your breakfast and opt for a hearty salad with plenty of oil and a protein source, or a simple chicken and veggie stir-fry.
If you prefer something quick, go for a thick and creamy protein shake. Vegans fear not! You can try a chocolate, hemp protein, peanut butter, and banana shake. Yum!
2. Bank some calories the week before
Losing or maintaining weight is all about calories in, calories out. So, here’s the plan: cut back on high-calorie meals and desserts during the week leading up to the holiday.
This way, you can “bank” those calories for your barbecue feast. Amp up your efforts by adding an extra half hour of exercise daily.
You might even find that you’ve shed a pound or two after the holiday!
Also Read: The 5 Bulletproof Strategies to Combat Employee Burnout
3. Choose your drinks wisely to fit in more food
Step away from that sugary punch and consider bringing your own stevia-sweetened alcoholic drinks.
This way, you have control over what goes into your beverages and how many calories you consume.
If you’re into non-alcoholic options, Partake offers tasty non-alcoholic beer with as little as 10-30 calories per drink.
And remember, regular soda is loaded with sugar, so opt for diet soda or zero-calorie seltzer water with a squeeze of lemon or lime to save on calories.
4. Fill a plate (and save some for later)
Here’s a clever trick – fill your plate with all the deliciousness, then remove half of it and save it in a to-go container for later.
This way, you’ll enjoy your favorites while keeping portion sizes in check. Feel free to bring that container to the picnic, and don’t forget to load up on healthier options like quinoa salads and whole-wheat hamburger buns.
If you’re contributing a dish, choose a healthy recipe to share.
5. Fit in some movement.
Don’t forget to incorporate some physical activity into your holiday festivities. Take a walk, join in a game of croquet or badminton, or try your hand at pickleball.
Whether you win or lose, it all burns calories. Consider organizing a patriotic scavenger hunt or a jump rope challenge to get everyone moving.
Remember, participation is key to burning those extra calories.
Bonus tip: Don’t let the scale dictate your happiness
After indulging in salty or carbonaceous treats, it’s common to retain some water weight. Give yourself a couple of days before stepping back on the scale and let your body recalibrate.
So, there you have it five quick tips to help you stay lean and still savor the Fourth of July (or any holiday). Enjoy the festivities, relish the flavors, and have a blast with your loved ones!
Take care, and enjoy!
To your health!
