The fourth of July is less than a week away. That means BBQ’s and pool parties!! That also means lots of food and drinking. That can make it a little trickier to stick to your fitness and nutrition goals and stay looking good in a swim suit. Good news though, it isn’t impossible. You just have to decide before hand that you are going to make better decisions and go in prepared. Below are some of my favorite tricks and swaps for enjoying a BBQ while sticking to your goals.
-Eat the burger, just ditch the bun. Wrap it in lettuce instead. This will lower your carb intake but still allow you to enjoy a bbq fave.
-If you want to not only lower your carbohydrate intake but your overall calorie intake, opt for a grilled chicken and veggie skewer instead. You will still get the flavors from the grill but you will be keeping it lean, clean and green!
-Instead of cracking open a cold one, make a low-calorie cocktail using sparkling water and vodka. This way you can still get in on the fun but not at the expense of your goals!
-Ditch the pie and ice cream but still enjoy desert. Make a homemade popsicle with frozen fruit, Top your favorite fruit with fat free whip cream or freeze a greek yogurt and eat it like ice cream. This will satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to your goals.
-Swap the crunchy chips for some crunchy veggies, dried fruit, kale chips or stove top popcorn. You will still be able to snack and get the crunch but avoid extra calories, fat and sodium.
-Last but not least, enjoy yourself! Make those little changes or swaps and then just kick back and relax. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed!
Madison Murray is a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, certified sports and exercise nutrition coach and a certified functional strength coach. For more information head to madfitaz.com or check her out on instagram at @mmmadisonmurray
