Memorial Day weekend is upon us. Let the barbecues begin! I wanted to utilize today’s blog as an opportunity to share a few party health tips. I know, I know, I know, party health tips…sounds like an oxymoron. I don’t mean throw a health party and I certainly don’t expect anyone to avoid a hotdog this weekend. But there are a few suggestions I have for this kick off to summer party weekend (and other holiday weekends that have more than one day of celebrations).
1.) Stay hydrated: I am sure many of you are going to kick the weekend off on Friday and plan on festivities through to Monday night. Make sure you are drinking tons of water throughout the day and evening. Try to do cocktail, water, cocktail water. In the morning the first thing to hit your lips should be water (two glasses). As a host and hostess make sure there are water options for your guests. If it is out they will be more likely to have a glass. Make it inviting. Add mint leaves and lime or lemon.
2.) Appetizers: Take a breath. Survey the situation. What do I really want to try? Don’t just dive in for the sake of diving in. What is appealing to you? And when you find it, chew it, taste it and enjoy it. I have found that I am really good at enjoying food while sitting at a table, but when talking, drinking, and eating appetizers, I am really good at shoveling…into my mouth! One way I have learned to stop my disaster approach to appetizers is by not going to parties totally starving. Eat some fruit and a handful of nuts or a Raw Food Bar (my food bar of choice because it is made with real food and no fillers) before you go. Also, look for the healthy option. Is there a crudités? Guacamole? As a host and hostess, try to make sure there are some raw veggies for people to snack on. It’s refreshing and easy. Most of the prep-work can be done the day before!
3.) Mingle: The weekend parties don’t have to be all about food. Make it about primary food…your loved ones! Chat it up and really hear about what is new and good in your friends and families life. As a hostess have some social games set up like baci or ladder golf.
4.) Workout: Don’t make working out an after thought. Plan for it. If you always go for a run on Saturday’s but have a soccer tournament to get to, plan for it. When can I fit this in? Even if you only walk or run for 15-20 min. It is better than not getting your workout in. Monday morning you have off, plan for a bike ride, a hike, a run!
5.) Focus on what you do have control over: While you are not out partying it up, focus on the food choices you do have control over. Eat tons of fresh fruits and vegetables. Raw or juiced when possible.
6.) Enjoy the choices: Don’t feel guilty about the hotdog you are eating, enjoy it! Often times when we are eating foods that aren’t the best for us we feel so guilty eating it, we don’t even know we ate it! Commit to your choice. If the burgers look big, ask a friend to split one. Look for healthy side options. Bottom line, be aware and conscious of your choices and enjoy. As a host and hostess, make sure there is a big salad as an option. If you know a healthy side dish that is a crowd pleaser, offer to bring it!
Happy Memorial Day and a special thanks to all the men and woman who have served for our country!
Love deeply and eat mindfully,
Kim Gilroy
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