Temptations of Summer BBQs
Summer is that beautiful time of year where things seem to slow down but be chaotic all at the same time. I miss the days of hanging by the pool because my little ones wanted me around. Depending on what phase of life you are in, summer could be busy with activities like baseball and softball, 4-H, fairs, and of course, travel!
Traditionally, the summer months are for traveling. We would go visit family and friends, but also go out exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer for us here. Regardless, that would always mean being exposed to an assortment of food that I may not normally eat.
Do you have to say no to attending?
NO!!!
If you are like me, you don’t want to say no and not attend the events. That wouldn’t be very neighborly and it would make maintaining those relationships difficult.
(My man loves any excuse to fire up the grill! Now that he is home, we get to enjoy “burnt meat” more often. 🤗 Our dog likes it too!)
Sometimes the meal and dessert looks so tempting! But you have goals!
So what do you do? 🤷🏻♀️
Tips for Success
Here are 5 tips that have helped me be successful when I am in these situations.
- Ask if you can bring something. Being gluten free, I have to make sure that there is something that I can eat. By asking if I can bring something, I know that the dish I am going to provide will be something that I can eat.
- Challenge yourself. Challenge yourself that you will not eat the dessert at this event or that you will limit yourself to one hot dog (or whatever you want to limit yourself to). Then hold yourself accountable! We are our hardest critics and in the moment, we want to hold ourselves accountable.
- Accountability partner. If you are going to the outing with someone, ask them to help keep you accountable. Ask them to keep you away from the dessert table or to get your plate for you. Be honest with them about your goals and intentions so that they can fully support you.
- Eat beforehand. If all else fails, you can eat beforehand. If you are full, you are less likely to indulge on something that you should not be eating. This has helped me lay off the cake! 🫢
- Engage with others. When you are busy talking with others, it is easier to forget what you are missing when it comes to the food. You are there to enjoy the experience so immerse yourself!
Lastly, be honest with yourself and those that you are around. If they ask you if you want a dessert or a specific food item, simply say no thank you. You don’t owe them an explanation and you are not rude for turning them down. And if you do want to try it, moderation is okay! Have a slice of cake and not the whole cake — don’t be like me! 🫢
Get out there and enjoy your summer! You can stick to your goals and still enjoy life!
