BBQ’s, travel, and treats galore.
I really don’t want to derail all my hard work by going completely off my program over this long weekend. You probably don’t want to either, so here are a few of my tips for avoiding holiday weekend pitfalls.
1) Don’t show up hungry!
Plan ahead so that you don’t show up at gatherings hungry. The hungrier you are, the easier it is to succumb to the tastey holiday temptations. I like to have a protein snack (like a shakeology smoothie) right before I leave for events so that I stay satiated longer and can be selective about what I have when I’m out.
2) Plan your containers ahead of time.
I like to save my blue and purple containers so that I can enjoy a few snacks at parties. Typically there’s a fruit salad, watermelon or grapes I can munch on and I love to enjoy some guacamole or cheese with my BBQ, so saving a purple and blue for the party helps me stay on track. If you know you’ll want to eat at the party, just be sure to have some containers left in your daily plan when you get there!
3) Avoid the condiment trap!
You may be making great choices, but look out for hidden sugar and salt in the condiments you choose. Don’t put that ketchup on your lean turkey dog or BBQ sauce on your grilled chicken breast. Other than mustard and hot sauce, condiments tend to add a ton of unwanted sugar to your meals.
4) Bring your own healthy options!
Offer to bring the veggie tray and make your own healthy dip using plain non-fat Greek yogurt and some ranch mix (it’s delicious and protein packed). Going to a BBQ? Offer to bring some skinless chicken breasts or extra lean beef patties for the grille. Don’t rely on others to provide on-plan offerings, take charge of your options!
5) Don’t drink your containers away!
Okay, so alcohol is against the rules on the 21 Day Fix Extreme meal plan. But, if you’re on the regular 21 Day Fix plan (or just can’t resist a cold drink in the sunshine), make sure it isn’t a sugar bomb! Try one of these low calorie versions of popular summer cocktails (and don’t forget to count it in your daily containers).
On the 21 Day Fix Extreme plan? Make a mocktail out of fruit infused sparkly water!
Or, make your Shakeology taste like a Pina colada!
6) Plan your cheat.
If you’re okay with having a cheat meal over the holiday weekend, plan ahead. When and what will it be? Make it one meal or dessert, not a whole day or the whole weekend! Life is about balance and without a little bend, your healthy habits may break. It’s okay to have an occasional cheat meal.
7) Schedule your workouts in!
This is one that slips me up all the time. I assume I’ll find a time to workout and then suddenly it’s bedtime Sunday and I haven’t pressed play since Friday. Don’t be like me. Plan ahead, think about what you have scheduled each day of the weekend and decide in advance when you’ll workout. Set alarms, alert your loved ones, and make it an appointment in your phone. Don’t miss out on working towards your goals!
Ready Set Sarah 