IT'S ALMOST HERE!!!! My #1 favorite holiday - the 4th of July. I love
our traditions, the parade, the weather, the food, the family, and the
fireworks! There are also SO many chances in front of you on the 4th and nearly EVERY summer picnic from now until Labor Day to totally derail any healthy eating habits - including anyone trying to follow a Paleo lifestyle. I have been there. Let's get through this together shall we?
Here are some tips and tricks to get you through your sizzling summer.
#1 - Always bring a Paleo-friendly dish to share. If nothing else, at least you have ONE thing you can eat. Below is a 'pasta' salad I made with homemade paleo Italian dressing and spiraled 'zucchini' noodles.
#3 - Here is something you DO have going for you. If you are at a cookout there are 2 things you can count on. Meat and fire. You can't get any more paleolithic than that! Grilled chicken, fish, steak - even a hamburger is game - sans the bun. (I just put some mustard on mine and chow down.) Stay away from BBQ sauces as your healthy protein source is now just coated in sugar.
#4 - Get up and move! Go for a walk. Play bean bags, ladder ball, volleyball, etc. Play tag with the kids, bring a pile of squirt guns. If you are moving, you won't even think about food.
#5 - BYOB, Bring your own bottled water. There is likely to be a lot of soda and a lot of alcohol. Bring a refillable water bottle so you know you will be able to stay hydrated and healthy. Add slices of fresh fruit for extra refreshment. It's a party - go nuts!
And.. here is a bonus tip. When Aunt Ella says you MUST try her famous cheesecake (or something similar) say something such as 'Oh wow that really does look great but my stomach just isn't handling dairy well lately'. Or something like that. If you tell them you are avoiding sweets you will just year 'one bite won't hurt'! However, no one will want to prolong a conversation about your intestinal tract.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
What are some of the ways you get through a summer picnic without regret? Share in the comments below.
I usually say that I have a headache and I stay away from everyone and that also works for me. Or better yet, I end up not going to the at all. Since I eat almost everything, except for anything with nuts it can be hard to stay away from food. :)
ReplyDeleteAwww.... don't miss out on the fun! Get out there and practice. Even if you eaten healthier than you would have before - it's still a win.
DeleteThese are great tips for anyone who wants to stick to a paleo diet during the summer. This way you don't have to miss out.
ReplyDeleteThese sound like so great tips - I can imagine it is hard on any diet going to a cook out! x
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these tips. I've actually been thinking about going paleo. Its' very similar to the way I already eat.
ReplyDeleteSmart idea to bring your own food. You and everyone else can enjoy the dish. Such a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThe pasta salad looks so yummy. I try to brings some fruits and veggies with me. That way I know I will have something healthy to eat through out the day.
ReplyDeleteThese are good strategies. Those classic cookout foods can be difficult to resist!
ReplyDeleteWater is so key! I love making zoodles so they help me.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! And I've gotta say, that cake looks amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's actually a watermelon covered in coconut whipped cream!
DeleteGreat tips! I'm not paleo or anything but was recently diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, so I have to watch what i EAT - these are great tips for helping with that! - Jeanine
ReplyDeleteWe find this topic to be a large challenge!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the helpful advice.
BBQ's are so tempting. I always eat a light meal before I go so i am not as hungry when I am there.
ReplyDeleteThese are some great tips!!!! I was just going to say eat something before hand so you don't mess up, but someone beat me to it lol...
ReplyDeleteJuly-4th is one of my favorite holiday as well with lots to do that could express our culture & tradition. We have been trying our best to stick to Paleo-friendly dishes these days & hoping we could get the best out of it this summer.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is Paleo and she struggles around the holidays. I am sure she would appreciate your tips.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. Now what exactly is a paleo diet is it like clean eating?
ReplyDeleteIt is, but it is a bit stricter. No grains whatsoever, no diary, no legumes, and most importantly no refined sugar.
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