Memorial Day is getting close, and you’re likely getting into your planning process. It will be the first feast of the season for most, and you’re surely licking your chops.
Everybody needs to let loose and indulge sometimes, and there is really no better time than a long weekend.
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And if you have one day per month where you eat a little too much, that’s fine.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to make all of your worst nutritional decisions in one day.
If you want to make your Memorial Day weekend a little healthier and take some pressure off of your heart, here are a few ideas:
Go Fresh: Avoid buying packaged hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and other meats. These are usually loaded with salt and preservatives that can be easily avoided by choosing fresh meat. Swap hot dogs for sausages and put together your own patties.
Seasonings Instead of Sauce: Sauce and condiments can add some taste to your memorial day meal, but they are a really easy way to add plenty of sugar and calories to it. Instead, add extra seasonings to your meat to add the flavor without the stuff you don’t want.
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Healthy Sides: The mac’n cheese will be there, but so will the green salads, coleslaw, or grilled veggies. Take a small scoop of mac’n cheese or potato salad, but go heavier on the veggies. Oil/vinegar-based slaws, vegetable salads, and other nutritious offerings can make it a healthy meal.
Take One Swing: There might be enough food for seconds and thirds, but you don’t need it. Have one plate, eat it mindfully, enjoy it, and let it be your one meal.
Fruit for Dessert: Fresh fruit like watermelon, berries, pineapple, or fruit salad is the best way to satisfy your post-meal sweet tooth.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
