Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to cookout season!American backyard BBQ favorites will be staring you in the face. Holiday eating after weight loss surgery can be tricky! Before you decide to bail on the festivities to avoid wrecking your diet, read on for tips to help you get through it.
Burger vs. Hot Dog: Either one will work out, but skip the bun to save calories. Feel free to pile on the lettuce, tomato, onion, sauerkraut, pickles, ketchup, mustard, salsa or relish, but skip the mayo or cheese. Other meat options that are equally as good as or even better than a plain burger or hot dog include chicken (skin and breading removed), seafood, lean steak, or veggie burgers. Skip the ribs, sausage, or brats.
Salads & Side Items: The best options are lettuce or spinach salad, cucumber salad, or tomato salads. Avoid the mayonnaise-based potato and macaroni salads. German potato salad with vinaigrette dressing and coleslaw are great options. Only have ½ cup serving of either.
Eat the corn! Soak up the butter with a napkin. Squeeze some lime juice on for added flavor! Baked beans are a nice choice because they are packed with fiber and protein, but watch the calories and portions. Stick to 1/2 cup. Avoid chips, pretzels, crackers, and dips. They are very tempting, but they are a waste of calories.
Desserts: Skip it if you can! If they’re just calling your name, limit yourself to what lis the most appealing, take the smallest piece, walk away and savor it.
Drinks: Water, water, water! The colder the better. Unsweetened tea with fresh lemon is also a good option. If you do choose alcohol, light beer or wine spritzers are best (with plenty of water as well) but limit to 1-2 drinks. Avoid any sweet, fruity, or frozen concoctions as these will throw your calories for the entire day.
Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy your day and be thankful for all you have. journeylite.com
