Summer Weather and Better Healthy Food Choices

It’s been very warm here and many people are bbq-ing since its far too hot to turn on the stove and cook inside. This is great because it allows you to be outside and enjoy the weather. One thing I have noticed however, is peoples nutritional intake tends to slip during these warm summer months. With more of a social experience happening and more snacks being put out, it can lead to a some bad nutritional food intake. Below are just some tips to help you stay on track.

Appetizers

• · Not a Good Choice
  

Potato chips with French onion dip can be up to 150 calories with a large handful. Add the dip as well which can be an additional 60 calories and 4.2 grams of fat from two table spoons. Tortilla chips are with guacamole dip is no better. The problem isn’t the high fat or calories from eating a handful. The problem is who really stops at one handful? Come on, no one does!

• Good appetizer

A good choice would be veggies with hummus. (Don’t knock it till you have tried it) Adding carrot sticks or perhaps snap peas for only 60 calories and 0 fats. The hummus only adds 50 calories and 3g of fat. In addition you’re getting a good supply of fiber.

Drinks

• Not a Good Choice
  

This is the part where I’m supposed to tell you as a trainer not to drink or touch alcohol. However let’s step back and be realistic. So try not to have the big margaritas and other types of mixed cocktails. While drinking the alcohol with the mixer you can be consuming 165 calories with a 3.5 once drink. This also is true for soda (pop) and alcohol as well.

• Better Choice

A better choice if you’re going to drink is to choose light beer. A 12ounce bottle generally has less than 100 calories. There are also some wines that are lower alternatives. Do your research and remember to always drink responsible.

Desserts

• Not a Good Choice

Strawberry Shortcake can be a summer favourite and one that I see at many places I visit. However just because it has the word strawberry and contains fruit in it does not mean it is the healthiest way to go. The whipped cream and jelly can make this dessert reach around 430 calories per serving and roughly 22 grams of fat.

• Better Option

Vanilla Ice cream can be a much better alternative. It’s cooling effect to eat in the summer and is only around 140 calories and 5 grams of fat a scoop. That’s much better. You can get lower fat alternatives too that reduce the calories by even more; however I’m not a big fan of that. Do some comparison on your own and choose what is best for you.

I'm not saying give up what you enjoy, just live more in balance and choose the healthier alternative when you can and reduce by a little every day. Enjoy your summer and if you are looking for more tips, or articles check out my other articles below.