summer holiday eating

Memorial Day is approaching.  Although it's not officially summer as yet, it traditionally is the first picnic barbecue of the 'cuing' season.  And if you want to stay on track, you better be prepared.  You know there is going to be a lot of healthy cooking.  You just can't go wrong with grilled food.  But the sauces, the creams, and the sodas...BEWARE!

They are out there and you know you can't resist them.  So don't punish yourself trying.  Just be smart, remember portions.  Measurement is the key.  If you don't want to whip out your food scale, measuring spoons and cups, or your portion plate, then get to know the visual equivalents that you can compare to your hand.  Ribs will be tricky.  I can't tell you what to eat.  But I will suggest that you spread out the fixings over the course of the day.  If you're allowed to box and bag, then eat from small cocktail plate and take the rest home.  You want to sample the sweets.  Three teaspoons...that's enough.  Same goes for potato salads and slaws.  Macaroni and Cheese is uber-dangerous.  Same thing, 1, 2, 3.  No more.  You don't have to eat until you pass out.  If you're an every three hour eater, and the even will last over 3 hours.  Start with your fruit and veggies, and then make your rounds to the 'meat center' aka beans, franks, ribs, and chicken.

Soda.  Why even bother.  The weather is hot, it only makes you more thirsty.  How about sparkling green tea?  You can make your own if you own one of those fancy-shmancy Soda Streams.  They're expensive.  So just opt for iced green or any one of your favorite teas.  Make it ahead of time, and keep it cool, and be on your way.

Don't forget the hat, the bugs spray, and the sunblock.  But above all, don't forget you have a goal to keep up with. So don't completely shatter your progress by overindulging.  Have a safe...