It's summer cookout season!

We all love to enjoy the summer weather, spend time with family, and indulge in our favorite foods, but those BBQ meats and potato salads can be booby traps! Our friends from Designed to Fit Nutrition have some advice for navigating the buffet line and sticking to your health and fitness goals.

1. Portion Control

Coach Laura suggests bringing one of your healthy favorites - this way, you'll not only know that there's a healthy option for you, but you'll also feel good by helping out the host or hostess of the get together! Once you've dug in and filled a plate with tons of yummy options, step away from the buffet and take a seat with friends and family! This will prevent you from grabbing more food "just becuase" when you're not really hungry, and will also increase the time that you get to spend with those you love - it's a win, win! 

 "Don't sit by the food, instead grab a plate and go sit down with friends/family! Bring a dish! That way you know there will be something healthy at the party. "

2. Failing To Prepare Is Preparing to Fail

Coach Ashley outlines the importance of eating your favorite healthy meal before heading out for a day of celebration - If you're not starving, you'll be less likely to over-indulge! It's a great idea to eat before you go so you can not only control the options available to you, but also be more prepared to enjoy your favorites in moderation rather thane excess.

"Never show up hungry! Eat a meal or snack before getting there so you don't go overboard on less than ideal foods because you are starving."

Follow these tips and you'll find that it's easy to stick to your goals without feeling deprived! It's important to remember that moderation is key and restricitng yourself is never the way to go. Above all else, ENJOY your holiday with family and friends - have a safe and happy 4th of July! 

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