Staying Healthy During BBQ Season

Summer is descending upon us and so is the thought of delicious food from the grill, gatherings, and drinks and cakes and pies.................  Summer is an amazing time for get togethers but with just a little bit of awareness, we can keep ourselves and our waistlines in check.  I don't know about you, but I have come to close to my goal to mess it up now!

Here are some simple tips you can use to enjoy the delicious spread—without going overboard. 

1. Bring a dish that is good for you.
If you bring a healthy dish, you know that you’ll be able to get something nutritious no matter how decadent all the other offerings are. 

2. Pay attention to portions.
Use these 3 points of reference:

• A tennis ball or baseball = about 1 cup (or use your clenched fist as a rough estimate). This measure is useful for scoopable sides (potato, pasta and bean salad). If you’re trying to keep a cap on calories, aim for 1 cup total of these starchy side dishes.
• A deck of cards = about 3 ounces meat.  This measure comes is useful for steak, chicken and fish.
• Your thumb = about 1 tablespoon. This measure comes in handy when you’re trying to estimate dressing or a spread. Most full-fat salad dressings and mayo have 50 to 100 calories per tablespoon; the creamier - the higher in calories. 

3. Fill up on vegetables first.
We have heard it since we were kids - eat your veggies.  Eating your veggies first not only helps you get the nutrition you need, but it will keep you from overdoing on the scrumptious options that will unravel all of your weight loss efforts.

4. Have a little lean protein.
Studies show that, gram for gram, lean proteins help you to feel fuller than carbohydrates or fats, so enjoy about 3 ounces of a lean-beef burger, a piece of chicken or fish, some tofu. 

5. Don’t go overboard with starchy carbs.
Limit yourself to 1 cup (approx fist size)--TOTAL—of starchy side dishes, such as potato, pasta and those delicious bean salads.  If you are a calorie counter or practicing a low carb lifestyle, this is especially important.  IF carbs are a problem area for you, check out our Iaso Resolution Drops - formulated to help you kick those carb and sugar cravings.

6. “Prioritize” your favorite food.
If you’re dying for a big cheeseburger, get in line at the grill. Stick with a green salad or grilled vegetables and fruit as sides. Not so big on buns? Go for grilled chicken, fish or tofu on top of greens and spend that starch serving on a scoop of the creamy potato salad you truly love. Does dessert look irresistible? Dig in. Just make room for it first. Have a piece of lean protein (chicken, fish), grilled vegetables and a healthy side (1/2 cup or so of baked beans or a bean salad) so you can indulge without feeling guilty.

7. Steer clear of the soda and alcohol.
Soda, pop, carbonated beverage, whatever you call it - IT IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU! Water, water, water.  2 things that expand your waistline fast are pop/soda and alcohol. Alcohol is a tough one to keep to a minimum.  Once you have a drink or two, it becomes extremely easy to keep them flowing and you end up with ferocious appetite. Best thing is if you plan to have alcohol, plan ahead.  Eat well then enjoy, because chances are, you won't be eating well afterward.  

8. When you’re finished, go play.
Toss the ball, play horseshoe, get moving.  Staying stationary will keep you grazing and farther away from your goals.
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Every season, there is always a reason to enjoy food.  It's how we celebrate.  Part of a healthy lifestyle is making sure that you are regularly cleaning the inside of your body. Iaso Detox Tea is the perfect solution to get rid of the toxins and sludge that builds up inside of our body from the food and beverages we consume.  I use this product daily and it is a real gem!  It keep my digestive system running smoothly and gives me a natural boost of energy.  Click here to learn more about Iaso Detox Tea.

Now you armed with simple tips to help you keep your waistline moving in the right direction!  Do you have any tips to share?

Bodynista