Summer is here! With the pandemic tapering off, millions of people are getting back to the business of catching up in person… potentially around comforting seasonal foods (think… the grilling of everything) that may not be the healthiest. If you’ve been in your little healthy bubble to date (or if you’re just starting to create that bubble) and you’re worried about making certain choices, you’re not alone. Summer parties can be a landmine for anyone trying to make nutritious choices. The good news is, the more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll be to make empowering choices for your own health and well being.
–EAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
If a barbecue or picnic or celebration involving lots of food is on your itinerary, the worse thing you can do is arrive hungry. Have a satisfying snack before you leave, and maybe pack a smoothie to sip on the way to your destination. The more satisfied you are when you arrive, the more likely you’ll be able to make informed choices about what – and how much – you consume.
–BALANCE YOUR PLATE.
For every unhealthy thing you put on your plate, add two healthy choices. This tool can help you put your consumption in perspective, and help balance the way your body processes the food. Leafy greens, fruits and other vegetables can actually help move heavier foods through your body faster and more efficiently.
–DRINK WATER.
Water fills you up and makes you less likely to binge on something.” And even if you do binge, water can save you from having to live with those choices longer than you want. “Drinking water can help you flush harmful foods from your body faster, and can help you keep that full feeling so you don’t continue to binge.”
REMEMBER WHY YOU CAME.
There’s a good chance you’re at a social gathering to hang out with family and friends. So do that. Paying closer attention to the ‘social’ part of parties can help keep your healthy intentions in perspective. Have fun, laugh, reminisce and relax. You don’t have to consume a massive plate of unhealthy food to do that.
–TIME YOUR RECOVERY.
Time your exit so that you get enough sleep to help your body prepare for the following days. Doing so can help balance your digestion, and speed up your recovery time. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. It can make the difference between facing the world wrecked… or completely refreshed.