Summer: Healthy Barbecue

Whether you have a goal for the summer to lose weight or just want to lead a healthy lifestyle… A barbecue is bound to be one highlight or something to look forward to during summer, or you just happen to get invited to. The typical British celebration for a hot day, which consists of high calorie indulging foods and beverages such as burgers, beers, Pimms, wine, shish kebabs and so on.

Opportunism at its worst when peer pressure plays a part, friends wondering why you are not involving yourself with the good spirits of alcohol and food. This can be often hard to answer or a repetitive cycle of the same explanation. Obviously by this point IT IS the summer and this is what you have worked hard for, or is it? Can you honestly say you have been losing weight to please others and for it to have lead up to the point of one or two barbecues? No, the answer you are looking for is to please your own self-esteem and prolong your effects. Sure, you can take this an opportunity to embrace what you have worked hard for. If you have any dedication you will not give in to the temptation and see it as simply, another social gathering.

Having said all that, it is important that you treat yourself for your efforts with a tap on the back with whatever you like (but in the right way)

When attending a barbecue be sure to come prepared. If you are sure you can withstand the pressure of people drinking and being a little extra merry then follow my advice and you will be sure to succeed.

Firstly, think about what people will be drinking. Majority will be beer and a homemade cocktail such as Pimms and lemonade or vodka and coke and perhaps wine. All very high in calories and oozing in sugar. My suggestion is to make homemade lemonade or iced tea, yes it requires a little sugar but it will compensate the chemical alcoholic drink, and you will feel like you are fitting in more, of course if you drink water with ice this also gives the allusion to yourself and others you are being ‘social’.

Finally food - This one can be simple and effective. Think Shish kebab, cut up some chicken breast onto a skewer and add red green and yellow peppers, onions through some chilli’s on, add some olive oil and lemon juice at the end and you have your own barbecue ready  (nutritious, healthy and filling). High in protein and fibre with all the essential macro nutrients needed for one meal. You can even through some clean cashews and peanuts to add more healthy fats to the meal.

So there you have it. It’s very simple and quick when you think about it. All it requires is a little effect with a lot of dedication and you can enjoy a summer without guilt and regret. Those months of leading up to the summer do not need to be all for nothing. Persistence and dedication that’s all that is required.