Healthy and Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Welcome to the official summer kickoff.  Memorial Day weekend has become one of the biggest party holidays of the year full of swimming, barbecues, lawn games and good times with friends.  It can also reek havoc on a healthy lifestyle if you aren't careful.  Parties are inevitable this time of year.  Odds are you will either host one or go to one, or BOTH.  I have put together just a few tips and things to remember if you are going to or hosting any big celebrations this weekend, or any time over the summer.

1.  Unless you can find a buffet of fruits and veggies to hover around, avoid the food and snack tables.  You are at a party, go socialize with someone.
2. If possible, eat before you go to a party, especially if you know the party will only be serving snack type food.  Drinking Shakeology is a great way to fill up and cut back on cravings for things prior to a party.
3. If the party is potluck, be sure to bring a dish that you KNOW you can eat.  Others will appreciate it too because you cannot be the only person their eating healthy.  Even if the party isn't potluck, bring it anyway.   It will just make you look gracious.
4. Do NOT skip  your workouts.  If you aren't in a position to get your normal routine in, get creative.  Take a walk, play with the kids, go swimming.  Find something that will get you moving, even at a party.  
5. If you are hosting a party, make what YOU want and like to eat.  Again, there will always be another health nut there who will appreciate it.  You can always make some traditional things to satisfy the masses.  But it is your party so make your food choices a priority.  This goes for snacks and desserts too. 
6. Avoid large amounts of alcohol.  One or two drinks wont derail you too much, depending on what you are drinking, but too much alcohol can dehydrate you and add up to an entire day's worth of calories.  Stick to the common healthy tip "don't drink your calories".  
7. When faced with only certain food choices, go for the least unhealthy.  Traditionally, any good barbecue serves potato salad, baked beans, and mac-n-cheese or some type of pasta salad.    Potato salad and some pasta salad are mayo based so avoid them at all costs.  Given the three, go for the beans.They at least have some protein.  Pasta salad can have potential if made with wheat pasta, Italian dressing and veggies.  But good luck finding that at a typical party.  
8. Above all, have fun and just enjoy yourself.  This weekend is about honoring those that have served and those we have lost.  If you are spending time with friends and family, be thankful for that time with them and put your focus there.  I guarantee if you are having a good time, you wont worry about your diet,  and you definitely wont have time to hover around the food tables.  

Have a safe and healthy weekend.  God bless!!