Happy 4th of July Divas!!!!!! Enjoy celebrating our GREAT Country and remember that we DO NOT have class this week! That’s right, no class today, tomorrow OR Saturday!
Here are a few tips on how NOT to overeat at a barbecue/cookout:
1. Skip the chips, crackers, and extra breads. These processed simple carbohydrates do NOT fill you up and they cause your blood sugar level to spike and then plummet. The quick rise and fall of blood sugar levels can make you feel more hungry. More hungry means more eating. Bottom line–save your calories for FOOD not junk!
2. Don’t drink your calories. I LOVE soda, lemonade, Kool-Aid and ANY OTHER DRINK FULL OF SUGAR!!! Although I LOVE them, I recognize that drinking them can reek havoc on the mid section! Eight ounces of soda can pack 150 calories. Who can drink only 8 ounces when a can of soda is 12 ounces and most bottled drinks are at least 20 ounces? In addition, reasearch has shown that we don’t feel full after drinking like we do after actually eating food! Bottom line, stick with water at the barbecue this year–it’s gonna be hot anyway!
3. Fill up on veggies and fresh fruits. Most barbecues will have a salad and perhaps even some other vegetables on the menu! When making your plate, over half of it should be filled with fresh fruits and veggies!
4. Watch your portion sizes! It IS a celebration after all so denying yourself a few indulgences is really not necessary. However, controlling how much you indulge IS necessary. Remember the portion size of a piece of meat is about the size of the palm of your hand! Don’t sample EVERY dessert. Choose 1 or 2 and get a small portion of each. Sit down and actually savor the taste of the dessert. Put your fork down after every bite!
5. Have fun and be thankful! Enjoy being with the people you love and thank God for the amazing blessing of living in one of the greatest countries in the world!
Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
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