Summer Foods + Fun.

Summer is in full swing! It may look a little different this year during quarantine, or slowly creeping out of quarantine, but nonetheless BBQs, beach weekends and family gatherings will go on! 

I challenge you to all think about how these gatherings used to (or maybe presently) make you feel in regards to food. 

When diet culture has its spell over you, it can be hard to enjoy a party when you feel a lack of control over the meal or your food choices. 

Well guess what, it's not about the FOOD, and it never has been!

Diet culture has just made it seem that way.  

Holiday celebrations, like the Fourth of July, are about coming together with the ones we love and enjoying the company.

Food is just a BONUS!

Food brings people together and can be a fun part of the conversation but it should never be the main thought on your mind. And on that note, if talking about it is just not something you are ready or willing to do, you can walk away too!

If this is still something you struggle with, know that you are not alone and that it doesn’t have to be this way. I vividly remember dreading family parties and BBQs with friends because I wouldn’t know what was in my food.

I would exercise in the morning and restrict all day until the party. Long story short, those parties were never fun because I literally did not have the energy to focus on anything else except food!! 

Make this summer + holiday season, in quarantine the best yet by nourishing yourself all day long with foods that look good and leave you feeling happy and satisfied. There are no wrong choices, I promise. 

If you are looking for some inspiration to add  festive, FUN food and drink items to your party, definitely check out the attached recipes!! Sharing the easiest most refreshing dessert ever, a fun way to add festiveness to drinks and delish cocktail! Plus sharing my favorite things to GRILL!

AND Jenna has a whole post on how to manage diet talk around friends + family, I am attaching it at the end for you to refer to and arm yourself with the confidence you need to control those nasty convos.

Wishing you all the happiest, safest & healthiest holiday!!!

XOXOXO,

Lauren

The BEST Foods to Grill This Summer!

• Proteins

  • Think fun kabobs (pre made or DIY) with chicken, veggies only, beef or fish like salmon or swordfish that hold their own!

  • Veggie stuffed turkey, chicken or beef burgers! (we have a previous post with a great recipe for you for this!)

  • Fish - marinade with something fun!

  • Tofu! Such a delish and easy way to eat this protein.

  • Chicken breast, steaks etc.

• FRUIT

  • Grilling fruit brings out the naturall sweetness from the fruit, and even begins to caramelize the natural sugars. Basically, it’s freaking delicious.

  • Try:

    • Nectarines, peaches and other stone fruits

    • Pineapple

    • Watermelon

    • Melon

    • Banana

    • Pears

    • Mango

    • Grapefruit

    • REALLY ANYTHING!

• Veggies!

  • Some of my faves include:

    • Romaine hearts (the full heart, stick it on there and then cut into “salad pieces”

    • Squashes (yellow or zuch!)

    • Peppers

    • Onions

    • Corn

    • Cabbage

    • Carrots

    • Asparagus

    • Eggplant

    • AGAIN, REALLY ANY!

• You can also grill the buns to your burgers, breads for dipping, and anything you want to bring out the natural flavors of with a healthy cooking method, let us knwo your fave items to grill!

A summer holiday weekend after 4+ months of quarantine, cue the influencer posts on how to burn off a hot dog 🥴 ⁣ ⁣ 🌟Update: you don't EVER have to do burpees to eat food. ⁣ However, there is no doubt in my mind that social feeds will be flooded with harmful information over the next few days to help you "prep for the holiday weekend" + scare you away from enjoying yourself. Then add on that this weekend could be the first time you see certain friends and family that may be entrenched in diet culture and want to share their latest woes, detoxes or diets with you. It's ok if you are feeling a little anxious. ⁣ ⁣ As I continue to educate myself on intuitive eating principles and practices, I too get nervous to be around friends + family, but mostly now bc my answer defaults to suggestion number 5 on here 😆 LOL or the walk away. ⁣ ⁣ Intentions are never to offend anyone or upset them but sometimes you really just need to protect your own energy and put YOUR NEEDS first. ⁣ ⁣ So if you have been working with an RD especially during quarantine to heal your relationship with food, to work on your past with dieting, if you have been working on your self-confidence, your positive mental state, or simply working on boundaries and working on your SELF. Know that you 👏🏼do 👏🏼not have to participate in the BODY BASHING AND SELF DEPRECATING conversations that may happen when you see your friends and family this weekend 💯 ⁣ Try one of these 5 suggestions and make your boundaries CRYSTAL CLEAR. Talking about our bodies is never necessary. Focus on the moments, create new memories, be present, enjoy the people you love and haven't seen in awhile. Eat the f*cking ice cream AND pizza if you want to or don't if you don't want it, but let no ones comments make that decision for you. ⁣ ⁣ Sound good?⁣ Love you, mean it🤍 ⁣ Questions? Drop them below ⤵️ -⁣ -⁣ -⁣ #happystronghealthy​ ​#enddietculture​ #ditchthediet​ #wellnessforeverybody​ #countingcalories​ #antidiet #goodmoodfood​ #​youareworthy​ #eatbetternotless​ #fuckdiets​ #healthylifestyle #rd2be #disorderedeatingrecovery​ #macrocounting​ #caloriecounting​ #foodfreedomforever #macros #disorderedeating​ #recoveryispossible​ #dieting

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Written by Lauren Smith

Hey, I'm Lauren! I’m a Registered Dietitian at Happy Strong Healthy. I believe nutrition should add to the fullness of your life and make you feel empowered and confident!

Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.