Summer is here!!!

At least it is here in Chicago! A hot 90 degrees out there today. You know what this means; BBQs, Beer Gardens, BBQs, Margaritas, BBQs, Festivals (Hello Taste of Chicago!) and BBQs.

I shared my healthy bbq with you last week, however, your typical BBQ fare will not always be healthy. Today's post will go through some steps to help us all make better choices when put into situations where eating clean is difficult.

STEP 1: Eat your meals!

Part of the premise of Clean Eating is eating 6 small meals per day. Do not skip any of these meals leading up to the BBQ thinking that that you are saving yourselves 200 or 300 calories that you will "make up for" at the BBQ. What ends up happening is you are far more hungry than you usually are which means you will eat even more food at the BBQ than you would if you'd have stayed on track with your meals.

STEP 2: Offer to bring a dish!

Open your Clean Eating Magazine or cookbook (or this blog!) and find a recipe that you can bring to share with the crowd.

STEP 3: Plan your plate!

Take a look at the table and what is being served. Plan in your mind what you intend to put on your plate before you hop into the buffet line. This way, your plan is set and hopefully you won't be tempted by the evil potato chips and fattening dips!

STEP 4: Stay away from white breads and cheese

Odds are, not everyone will have a whole wheat option for that burger. Who says you need a bun? Balance out your meal and keep your sugar/refined carb count low by eating a burger sans the bun. Keeping the cheese off will also help keep fat contents in check.

STEP 5: Enjoy yourself

Life is too short to be stressing out about eating every time there is a bbq. Implement the steps I have listed here and minimize the damage. Remember, attending a BBQ is supposed to be fun. Focus more on catching up with friends, playing some fun summer time games (beanbags, volleyball, frisbee), and enjoying the beautiful weather than you do on the menu.

I know it's hard. I do love the taste of potato chips and greasy hot dogs and if you are due for a cheat meal (about every 10 days), go ahead an indulge. But, if this bbq falls on a day that is not a cheat day, let's do our best to treat our bodies with respect!

Now....let's talk about the drinks. Moderation is key and drinks are not prohibited in the world of clean eating. I would recommend that you stay away from the sugary mixers (cranberry, pineapple, soda, etc) and stick with a light beer, a clear alcohol, or a glass of wine. Of course, I would only suggest a drink or two, but I never want to be called a hypocrite so accept that suggestion as a loose guideline.

Alexia.