Tips to Eat Healthy During Labor Day Weekend

Tips on How to Eat Healthy During the Labor Day Weekend.

And keep your calorie consumption down.

Parties always bring temptations!

But this is not a free pass for overindulgence.

Here are a few good tips to help you from over doing it this Labor Day weekend.Try eating before you go. Don't go to a party
hungry. Eat a healthy protein snack. See my previous blog for healthy protein snack ideas. The protein will allow you to feel fuller, then you'll be less likely binge if you're not overly hungry.

Grab a glass of water before eating or drinking anything. Drink 2 glasses of water before you get to the party and grab a glass of water right when you walk in the door. Don't look at the food or drinks available just get a drink FIRST!

Don't Eat the first thing you see! Wait before you eat anything. There are always plenty of hors d'oeuvres so don't worry they will run out. Get a small plate find out what you must have and eat a small amount of it. Look for foods you like that are healthy and fill the majority of your plate with that. Then don't go back for seconds!

Look at those appetizers as caloric meals. A lot of appetizers are full of calories. If you are eating steady for an hour you have probably had more calories than if you would have eaten a meal. SO...don't plan on eating a meal after you have eaten several appetizers.

Know what you are putting in your mouth and keep track of what you're eating. Don't mindlessly eat. Grab a plate and put it on your plate. Pay attention as to how many times you have filled your plate. If you are in a conversation don't eat or talk with your mouth full. (I had to throw that last one in there... that's a pet peeve of mine, talking with your mouth full) You don't realize what or how much you are putting in your mouth or even the taste of it when you are in conversations. Remember the food is not calorie free because you are ignoring it.Use a small plate. Using a small plate will help you with portion control, but don't pile the food on your plate. Try to have only ONE serving and taste it while you are eating. Be conscious of the serving size.

Share. If you eat appetizers and there is a meal yet to come ask some to share the main dish with you. More than likely it will be BBQ on this holiday. So, ask someone to share a piece chicken with you or just take 1/2 of what is being offered. When dessert time comes eat some fruit or if you just "have to have it" only eat 1/2 or less than half, share it with someone, or ask to take your share home for later. You'll eat less and not do as much damage.

Bring a healthy dish. If you bring something healthy, like fruit salad, hummus with vegetables, whole-grain crackers and light dip, green salad with vinaigrette dressing, you know there is a healthy option that you like at the party. Make your dish the "star" of the plate and take small helpings of other dishs.

Most importantly if you drink: Limit your alcohol. Alcohol is very high in calories and with every drink your inhibitions are lowered. Meaning you are more likely to eat what ever you want and not think about the consequence. Remember those drinks are not calorie free. A few tips would be to alternate alcohol with water, don't drink more than 2 drinks, and try a "Moctail". Moctails are alcohol free and are very yummy!

Here are a few to try.

Cinderella Moctail Virgin Miami Vice

1 oz lemon juice 1 oz pineapple juice

1 oz pineapple juice 1 oz coconut cream

2 oz general ale 1/2 oz half and half

splash grenadine 1 1/2 strawberry puree

pineapple or orange slice for garnish 1 1/2 lime juice

1/4 simple syrup (or honey)

Velvet Sienna 1 cup ice

1/2 oz Huckleberry juice sliced strawberry for garnish

3 sage leaves

4 oz pineapple juice

3 oz carrot juice

Put ingredients in shaker with ice and pour into a beautiful glass. (make sure your ingredients are all high fructose syrup free and are natural)

FYI... Caffeine speeds up the rate that alcohol is metabolized and it masks the effect of the alcohol.

Don't ever, ever, ever drink and drive. You might be saving your life as well as others.

What are some helpful tips you use?

Have a healthy eating and safe Labor Day weekend.

Coach Tia Hurt