3 Tips for Mastering Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is typically a fun one—it kicks off the summer and gives us a chance to celebrate and spend time with our friends and loved ones. While this may mean parties with lots of opportunity to eat and imbibe, it doesn’t mean you have to toss your healthy lifestyle to the wind this weekend. All you need is a plan to stay on track without depriving yourself.

Here are a few nutrition coach-approved strategies that can help you enjoy Memorial Day festivities without packing on the pounds.

1. BYOD—as in Bring Your Own Dish

Bring a healthy yet delicious dish to the party. This ensures that there is a healthy choice at the party, while providing a little help to the host. Even something as simple as a healthy salad loaded with leafy greens and seasonal produce or a fresh fruit bowl will be a hit. Eat your own healthy dish and then just sample the other offerings. You’ll enjoy yourself and not feel deprived, without “cheating” on your healthy diet.

2. Go for the Smaller Plate

Practicing portion control is an excellent way to avoid overindulging at holiday parties and barbecues. A simple way to do this is to opt for a smaller plate at the buffet table. This automatically reduces your consumption, and if you eat slowly, you’ll most likely be full after just one plate.

3. Limit the Libations

Beverages such as alcohol and sugar-laded sodas and juices can quickly blow up our calorie counts for the day, which ultimately leads to weight gain and a bloated feeling. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and choose the most low-calorie drinks that you can find. If you must have an alcoholic drink, avoid fattening mixers and opt to mix with seltzer or soda water instead.

Working with a nutrition coach is an excellent way to transform your mindset and learn other tips and tricks for living your healthiest lifestyle.