At this time of year, I see an increase in those wanting help in reducing weight and body fat and to regain their vitality and energy to enjoy the Summer months with confidence. My Zest4Life programmes deliver just that!
When thinking about Summer, we will naturally start dining al fresco with lazy afternoons in beer gardens and BBQ’s to share fun times and food with loved ones. This, in itself can create pitfalls if not carefully navigated as your typical BBQ food can be on the stodgy, highly processed side doing nothing for the waistline, energy and general wellness… and that’s without the increase in alcohol to wash it all down with.
By changing your mindset and planning ahead, you can stay in control, eat well and enjoy Al fresco dining without damaging your waistline and energy levels.
3 Tips to manage Al Fresco dining and stay in control
1. Prepare or Prepare to Fail!
When attending an event such as a BBQ, it’s difficult to stay in control. A good tip is to take a dish that you know is nutritiously sound and low in processed carbohydrates. A Greek salad is always a great easy and versatile dish to take. Chicken, turkey or fish kebabs are easy and low in carbohydrates and high in protein, which will keep you full for longer. Have a look at the recipes in my Free downloadable 15 Delicious & Healthy BBQ Recipes!
2. Set your intentions for alcohol
This is a great tip and one I use with me clients who are working towards long-term health goals. By writing down what your alcohol intentions are, you are committing to sticking to them. If you decide that you want to have a drink, write down how many units is your goal. 5 units or less allows you stay in control and reduces the risk of over drinking and eating due to cravings. Drinking water in between alcohol is a good way in supporting liver detoxification and staying in control.
3. Reduce stodgy carbohydrate consumption to reduce the bloat
This one is tricky as I know all too well!. Having a sausage without the bun is like Ant without Dec (not quite right!). Burger buns and hot dog sausage buns are highly processed and can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. Avoiding processed and refined carbohydrates such as bread, white pasta, crisps and chips at BBQ’s is much easier when there are other choices. If you are the host then having healthier alternatives available will allow you to make better choices. Salads made with quinoa or wholemeal rice are just as tasty and can be jazzed up with avocado, cashew nuts, pomegranate seeds and olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing for extra zing and looks the part! Having crudités with dips will not only look colourful but will stop you reaching for crisps and chips.
If you are reading this and thinking you need support in getting back on track before Summer, then why not take advantage of my complementary 20 minute Health & Energy Check?. The call is designed to gain a clearer picture of your health goals and niggling symptoms and discuss what could be creating these issues with some health tips to put into practice. Would love to hear from you. If you want to take advantage of this offer, then email info@debbiegallimore.com or ring 07894 111 433 to book in your Health & Energy review.
Last but not least, enjoy! Time to get the BBQ out and have fun whilst soaking up the Vitamin D sunshine.