Summertime is my favorite time of the year, but with it brings a lot of schedule changes, 3 Day Weekends, pool parties, BBQs, camping, vacations, as well as, loads of opportunities to fall off track with exercise and eating healthy.

All too often I find people, saying, “Oh well, I’ll get back on track once the holiday weekend is over, my vacation is over, or when the kids are back in school.”  But I’ve found that to make a healthy lifestyle sustainable, we have to start looking for what we CAN DO to stay on track, even when LIFE comes up, and still have a little FUN in the process!

Now, there is all kinds of healthy food/drink substitutions that you could make at your next party or BBQ, and I’m not going to get into all of that because there is plenty of info on that subject on the web! And let’s be honest, sometimes there is not enough time to do this, or you are going to a restaurant or a party where the hostess has already taken care of the food choices.

Here are my TOP 5 Tips that will help you to consume less calories no matter what party you are at or vacation you’re on, and still have FUN!

Choose Cocktails or Carbs, but don’t go hard on both!

If you are going to be having some cocktails, stick to eating more protein and veggies. If you are a CHIPaholic, like me, go easy on the cocktails or stick with water! Today, I’m choosing chips over the cocktails because that’s what I really want. But the choice is yours! P.S. It’s not the end of the world if you have a few chips AND a cocktail, just don’t eat a whole bag!

Do not stand and graze around the food table.

This is the biggest mindless eating trap that you can fall into. You wouldn’t believe how many extra calories you will consume by doing this. Get a plate, put what food you want on the plate, and go SIT DOWN somewhere and eat it. #TakeASeatToEat  Also, Wait 15-20 min before going back for seconds, you might find that you are satisfied after 1 plate of all that calorie dense food!

Exercise on holidays and vacations!

Go on a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or hit the local gym! You’ve got at least 30 minutes to get a workout in! If you’re on vacation, try a new water sport or activity!  This is a great way to have fun, make memories, and get some exercise in.

Eat to 80% Full!

We all know what we feel like when we eat to 100 – 120% full. It doesn’t feel good at all! You’ll be miserable, feel bloated, and tired! So slow down, savor your food, sit down, and use a PLATE! Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel tomorrow morning?” If I choose the wings, chips, fries, and beer, will I have a lot of energy tomorrow and have a productive day?” Remember, we’re not “good” or “bad” for the choices we make today, but all of our choices will make us feel a certain way tomorrow!

Pay attention to #choicepoints throughout your day, no matter where you are!

If you notice yourself thinking or saying, “I’m so full, but I really want to try those wings, dessert, etc.” Or even thinking, “Just one more bite won’t hurt…I’ve already blown it today.”  This is a moment where there’s a #CHOICEPOINT! You have a choice at this moment that will get you closer to your goals or further away from your goals, and affect the way you feel!  Even if you can win ONE #choicepoint today, you can feel proud and engage in less self-sabotaging behavior.

Tell me in the comments below, which one you are going to work on today to stay on track with your healthy eating goals?

Thanks for Stopping By,

Tommie

P.S.  Do you find yourself constantly snacking or overeating, even when you’re not hungry?  Use my 3 Step Formula to stop eating everything in sight, and learn how to feel more in control around food.  Click HERE for Instant Access.