Something about American Holidays makes people go way over board with food and drinks.

Don’t get me wrong, I think there’s a time and place to celebrate and treat yourself to enjoy this life! But there are also times (which should probably be the majority of our time) where we are cautious about what we put into our bodies and are focused to avoid laziness and gluttony.

When I made my “transformation” so to speak from the girl who had 5 bowls of ice-cream and won pizza eating contests, to trying to scale back and choose better options (like less sugar), I got A LOT of flack for it. It took occasion after occasion of trying to explain to people WHY and my good intentions, that my “no” eventually became empowering. Why people have such a huge problem with things like declining the 2nd serving of fried oreos, I’ll never understand!

Because of the hard time I still get occasionally for politely saying “no thank you”, I love to help people feel confident in choosing what they feel is right for their bodies, and a God-honoring choice. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial 🙂 

Below are some tips for your Memorial Day weekend so that you can stay the course on your health journey!

FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL.

When we don’t have a game plan, we don’t tend to choose as well in the heat of the moment something that could have been thought out before. If you’re going to brunch with girlfriends, take time to look at the menu and find the best option before the date. If you’ll be at a park with only hotdogs, be sure to pack chicken to grill, or maybe a lunch of your own! Think ahead about what difficulties you may find, and plan accordingly, even if it involves a little more research!

GOOD WEATHER = BE ACTIVE

Between swimming, volleyball, frisbee, walking around the park or the beach, there are usually ample opportunities to be active if the weather is nice. Even standing and talking is better than sitting all day! Like I mentioned in How to Survive The Weekend, FOCUS on the experience, the conversations, and time with the PEOPLE over stuffing your face. Food is fun, but it’s secondary.

VOLUNTEER TO BRING FOOD

This is your chance to bring a healthy option for you and others who also may want a fresh salad, a side of veggies, or fruit. Something like raw vegetables and hummus or bright fruit kabobs can be a good appetizer for guests. If you’re hosting, maybe provide smoothies, wheat buns for burgers, or topping options like avocado. You get points for being generous but are also making sure you have something good to choose from!

USE THE DAY TO BE AN EXAMPLE

You don’t have to be a party-pooper by telling everyone at your gathering that you’re on a “diet” or that you don’t want any share of their cake. Simply walk the walk and politely do what you need to be healthy without making a scene. It can make other guests uncomfortable if you’re being “different” or it gives people to pick on your choices and sometimes even put you down for not eating the hamburger bun. You’re making healthy choices with a dose of humility and to show people that it’s not a PAIN, but something GOOD to show yourself love and respect.

REMEMBER THE HOLIDAY– PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE

Memorial Day is meant to honor and remember all who have died in military action. These people had intense courage and sacrificed so much for our freedom. They didn’t give their lives so that we could all sit around eating ice-cream all day long… we could learn a lot from their strength in the midst of hardship.

KEEP A WATER BOTTLE WITH YOU

Hydrating is always important, especially if you’re spending time in the sun. Having a drink to sip on will keep you from feeling like you need to constantly have food in your hand. Add fruit to you water or lemon to make it fresh and fun, even if everyone is downing fancy mixed drinks; get creative and concoct your own healthier version. It’s always better to eat your calories, rather than drink them!

HAVE FUN! STAY STRONG 🙂

xo,

Ro