Happy Memorial Day! Nice weather, a day off from work, good company, and an appetite…all make for a great Memorial Day celebration. In order to help make your Memorial Day festivities healthier, we have provided tips on healthy choices around the grill, physical activities, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Healthy grilling starts with food choice and portion control. First of all, it’s best to choose foods that are healthy and tasty – high in nutrients, low in fat, full of flavor – when planning meals. Second, be mindful of your hunger signals and how much you are eating.
Here are some helpful tips for selecting the right foods for your Memorial Day celebration, as well as healthy substitutions:
- Choose lean cuts of meat and trim excess fats
- Grill vegetables and fruits and enjoy their fantastic flavor. Tips for grilling vegetables
- Whole wheat buns instead of white
- Mustard instead of ketchup
- Lean hamburger meat instead of hot dog
- Perhaps use ground turkey for burgers or even try a veggie burger
- Baked beans instead of coleslaw
- Corn on the cob instead of potato chips
- Choose reduced fat cheese or leave it off altogether
- Add lettuce, tomato, and onion to burgers
- Fresh melon and berries for dessert or a lower calorie option such as angel food cake
- Add bottles of water to the cooler. Try to alternate one water for each beer/soda or make a big pitcher of unsweetened iced tea.
Once you have selected great foods for your gathering, practice portion control and pay attention to your hunger signals. Remember that ‘everything is good in moderation,’ so instead of filling your plate with meat, buns, and potato chips, cut back on each and add in fresh or grilled fruits and vegetables. This will create a more well-balanced meal. Try not to eat when you aren’t hungry, use a small plate to serve yourself to minimize portions, and wait an hour before having seconds so you avoid eating too much. Lastly, if you plan to have dessert, save room for it.
Be creative with your grilling. Add foods like fish (tuna kabobs) and vegetables. Need delicious ideas? Check out healthy grilling recipes.
While the grill may seem to take center stage, Memorial Day isn’t just about the food. If the weather is nice, focus on outdoor activities that you can enjoy with friends and family, such as catch, Frisbee, touch football or horseshoes. If you have access to a swimming pool, take a dip or horse around with kids. They have lots of energy and will keep you moving. Outdoor activities are a good way to pass the time and work up an appetite while the food is cooking. After you’ve had a chance to digest, you may even want to resume the games and work off your meal.
If you are stuck indoors, try to use whatever equipment you have to enjoy your company and move your body. Perhaps you can start a Wii tournament, play table tennis or dance to some music. If you aren’t able to be active, focus on spending time with friends and family, catching up on what is happening in each others’ lives. If you get caught up in conversation, you may even forget to go back for a second portion of food. Whatever you choose to do, remember that holidays are a break from routine to enjoy each other and remember what matters in life. Happy Memorial Day. Have a wonderful holiday!
Feel free to ask a question or share your favorite grilling recipe with fellow readers in the comments section below.
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