Memorial Day is here, and with it the first of many, many summer barbecues and parties revolving around family, friends, food and fun. If you’ve been working hard to whittle your waist in time for the poolside fun, don’t let your commitment waiver or goals fall by the wayside now that Memorial Day is here. Healthy Dining's Sara Lucero reveals how sticking to the same smart choices you’ve been making (now is also a great time to get started) will keep you feeling good and going strong all summer long.
Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or meeting friends for dining out al fresco, here are some easy healthy eating tips to follow:
· Get to know the perfect portions – This portion size info-graphic is a good visual.
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· Opt for foods that won’t weigh you down – Focus on lean proteins like turkey, chicken and seafood that can fill you up and keep you satisfied throughout the day with fewer calories and fat.
· Enjoy a rainbow of fruits and veggies –Bright, fresh flavors and loads of vitamins and minerals. Bonus: they’re packed with weight-loss friendly fiber.
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· Drink up – Water that is (we know what you were thinking)! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you to key into any real hunger signals instead of mistaking thirst for hunger.
· Get creative to cut calories without losing flavor – Head to your favorite restaurants, friends, blogs and Pinterest for ideas to lighten up and start experimenting. Even simple swaps like nonfat Greek yogurt instead of full fat sour cream and crisp lettuce in place of that hamburger bun can cut fat and calories.
What swaps are you making this Memorial Day to stick to a healthy diet and even lose weight?
If dining out is more your style, try these dietitian-recommended Healthy Dining picks for the weekend or any day of the week:
Dungeness Crab (Special Request) at Joe’s Crab Shack
(480 calories, 3.5 g fat)
Located nationwide
Grilled Turkey Burger (Special Request) at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
(620 calories, 25 g fat)
Located nationwide
Roasted Veggie & Goat Cheese on Potato Thyme Bread at Corner Bakery Cafe
(480 calories, 18 g fat)
Located in AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, MD, MS, NJ, NY, PA, TX, UT, VA
