Best Summer Healthy Eating Tips

Dear Fitness Coach,

I promised myself now that summer is here, I am going to start to eat healthier, and hopefully lose some weight in the process. Well I blew it already Memorial Day weekend...3 Barbecue's, 3 binges in 3 days. How can I hang out with fam and friends (cause with my crowd its all about the food!)this summer without derailing my dieting efforts?

BBQ Binger

Dear Binger,

I know its almost impossible to enjoy a summer outing whether its in the backyard or at the beach without being inundated with high calorie, high sugar and high fat foods in unlimited quantities.  To make matters worse the pressure is on from family and friends to eat, drink and be merry. You can still have fun, socialize, and even partake in the food festivities without breaking your healthy eating resolve by following these easy 5 tips:

1. Summer is a great time to start an exercise program if you do not have one right now. Just remember the more you move, the more calories you burn
2. Never go to a social gathering where there will be food, hungry. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but even if you have a healthy snack beforehand, you are less likely to make poor food choices once you are there.
3. You can always find clean food if you look hard enough. Grilled in the operative word. Protein, fresh fruit and veggies are your safest bets wherever you eat. Fill your plate up with grilled chicken and burgers, watermelon and corn on the cob. This way you will not have any room for mac salad, greasy fried drum sticks and funnel cake.
4. The calories in summer cocktails, sangria and beer will add up quickly. Try unsweetened ice tea or flavored seltzer instead. If you must imbibe, white wine spritzers and light beer are your lowest cal choices.
5. Drink at least half your body weight in calorie free liquid. Studies show most people mistake dehydration for hunger. Green tea and black coffee can help speed up your metabolism as well.