Healthy Eating for Summer Activities
The summer months can offer the potential for continued weight loss success, or major setbacks. On the one hand, summer weather may encourage you to go outside and get active. But for many people, eating away from home more often can make healthy eating more difficult. Here are a few tips to help you make good food choices while you’re enjoying some of your favorite summer activities.
Healthy eating at the campground:
- Instead of beef patties, try grilling fat-free hot dogs, turkey burgers, or chicken.
- Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and sides. Try fruit, trail mix, and chopped vegetables.
- If you’re away from the grill, get a protein fix from packets of tuna or chicken.
Healthy eating at the beach:
- Portion your snacks ahead of time in plastic bags to avoid mindless grazing all day.
- If you have the chance to take advantage of fresh seafood, stick with grilled, baked, or broiled and pass on the deep-fried batters.
Healthy eating at the ballpark:
- Plan ahead. Check the stadium website for information about concession items or rules about bringing in your own snacks.
- Chew gum to help you resist the munchies.
Healthy eating at an amusement park:
- Find a fruit cart. You may be able to find fruit cups, whole fruits like apples or bananas, or yogurt cups.
- Check the menu for grilled options and vegetables. Whether you’re stopping at a food court or buffet, look for meats and vegetables that are grilled and served without a lot of sauces.
With a little planning and creative substitutions, you can enjoy your summer and stay on track with your weight loss goals. And if you slip up, remember that it’s the decisions you make the majority of the time that make the difference.