Your guide to keeping it low carb
While most people are excited preparing their big menus for this year’s 4th of July party, many of us that are trying to stick to our eating plan find it a big challenge to stick to plan. If you are invited to a party at a friend or relative’s house, sometimes you don’t have much control over what is being served and could feel pressure to eat what is provided. The best thing you can do is K.I.S.S. your way through the weekend.
Keep it simple stupid (K.I.S.S.); don’t be tempted by all the dishes that aren’t on your list of allowed foods. Don’t think that just because your Aunt Sarah made that potato salad you grew up on that you simply must have some. Instead, focus on the foods that are acceptable for your current phase and be sure to keep plenty of them on hand. This may mean that you need to bring some items yourself so that they will be readily available. If you bring enough to share, who knows, you might just strike up a conversation with someone looking to get healthier and lose some weight.
Stick to the basics; when you are given burgers and hot dogs, toss the buns and add some additional veggies and lettuce and make it a big “grilled out salad.” Keep fresh, raw veggies on hand for snacking between meals and don’t give in to the left over cookies that could be calling your name from the table. As always be sure to stay hydrated when out in the sun this weekend. Keeping your body full of water will also help keep your appetite under control.
Get creative; bring a new low carb dish that you can share with everyone there. You will be surprised at how acceptable others will be if you are proud of your dish and tell others how great it is. Even something as simple as a good mashed cauliflower dish with some cheese and bacon bits will be very tasty and many people will enjoy it even if you have to talk them into trying it.
Be safe and have a great time this weekend. Stay on plan and surround yourself with foods that will keep you from getting off track and could lead to binges. If you are headed to the lake or beach, that this opportunity to get some additional exercise by means of swimming, running, skiing, or even something as simple as spending extra time playing with the kids.
