Fresh Outta Quarantine Into BBQ SZN.

Depending on where you live (we are in NJ!) your quarantine rules may have changed this week. Here in NJ, we got the officiall lift on the stay at home order this week WOO! And outdoor gatherings limits have increased. So you know what that means?

BBQ SZN is BACK!

As a cooking method, grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook. Grilling foods requires little to no oil and when done right, the grill brings out natural fllavors of the foods you are cooking and makes them taste SO MUCH BETTER.

We hear from clients and friends often that they fear group gatherings like BBQs due to the wide variety of foods being served. But as always, we are here to tell you - DO NOT FEAR!

You can fear Murder Hornets - which by the way are they still here? Was that a joke? I’m unsure. But do NOT fear BBQs.

One of our biggest tips for this is:

• Don’t save up your calories for the event.

This goes for all events or gatherings, but as summertime BBQs will likely hit an all time high this year as we all leave our homes for the first times LOL (I am picturing like swarms of people like how the army of the dead travel in GOT) let’s discuss why you should NEVER save up your calories for one meal.

• This thought process will leave your brain STARVED. If you do not eat all day, what do you think the only thing you will focus on will be….FOOD. When you see it you will be so hungry you will likely override your fullness cues and go right past the comfort stage into discomfort. From there we know the mental games that are played and we don’t want that for you.

• Your body LOVES and craves and DESERVES consistent fuel. When it doesn’t get it, it gets scared that something is wrong and will conserve energy. The consistent food intake your body is used to helps your body feel safe and use the food that comes in for fuel. When you disrupt this pattern your body may sense danger and further your desire to eat past comfort when food is in sight.

• Let’s also not ignore that being hungry all day doesn’t make you a fun person to be around.

INSTEAD.

• Eat normally all day long! Stay FUELED and get excited to enjoy some time with people you love!

• Offer to bring a dish! If you are at all fearful that you won’t have anything you enjoy at the party, offer to bring something to share! Or if the host is not known for their cooking skills - LOL - help the host out and bring something you know to be a crowd pleaser!

• OBVI we have some ideas so see below for some of our favorite dishes to bring to summer parties!

And remember. NO MATTER WHAT. Food is your friend. Stay connected to your body, eat for pleasure AND nourishment and focus on the moments you are in. Food brings people together more than ANYTHING else. Make friends with food.

Be the hero and bring one of these to your next party!

Let us know what your friends + family say!

XOXO!

D (+Jenna!)

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Written by Danielle Musto

Hey there, I’m Danielle! HSH’s Office Manager and RD-to-be! I love food, fitness and having fun with both. I’m super excited to be here with you sharing all the ways I love to make food FUN!

Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.