As we start to feel more comfortable socializing with others, it may seem like every week there is another party to attend. Eating at summer cookouts can be challenging. In the past, you may have found yourself eating to uncomfortable fullness. Maybe you have food allergies that the host is unfamiliar with. It’s also possible that you feel guilty for what you ate. Whatever the challenge may be, here are some tips to help you navigate cookout eating so that you can fully enjoy your time with friends and family.
1. Put food on a plate. With buffet-style cookouts, it can be easy to hang by the food table and graze. Grab a plate to eat off of. This will decrease mindless eating.
2. Bring a dish you know you can eat. If you have a food allergy, plan to bring a dish to share. This way, you know that you have at least one food to enjoy at the cookout.
3. Don’t “save” your calories for the cookout. Going all day without eating before the party can leave you feeling ravenous. This may result in eating past the point of comfortable fullness. Eat your meals and snacks as usual leading up to the cookout.
4. Give yourself permission to eat all foods. There is value in all foods. Trying to restrict certain foods will increase cravings for them. This can also lead us to eating past the point of comfortable fullness.
5. Remind yourself that eating is part of our culture. Food is not just fuel. It can bring us enjoyment and connections. Taking the stress and guilt away from eating will allow you to fully embrace the time with your family and friends.
Information gathered & adapted from:
https://www.reneepletka.com/blog/2017/6/14/how-to-eat-mindfully-at-summer-parties
Watermelon Feta Salad
Servings: 7
Ingredients
7 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
3/4 cup feta cheese
1/2 of a red onion, sliced thin
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Preparation
1.Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir gently.
Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Information per Serving: 3.6 grams total fat, 2.4 grams of saturated fat, 13.5 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 3.5 grams protein, 181 milligrams sodium, 10 grams sugar
Recipe adapted from:
https://cookeatshare.com/recipes/watermelon-salad-674270/external
