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!
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.
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