Starting Off To A Healthy Summer

Well...summer is almost here.  In 2 weeks, we officially kick it off with Memorial Day weekend. Now, in the past, we use to kick it off with a big family BBQ consisting of ribs smothered in BBQ sauce, German Brats, hamburgers, hotdogs, two kinds of potato salad, cole slaw, two kinds of pasta salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, cake, cookies, home made ice cream, etc.  And this does not include the chicken wings, cheese and crackers, fruit and veggie platters with high fat dip, and chips. It's no wonder I weighed 265 pounds and what the heck were we really celebrating?  The fact that we had a day off from work??? Since losing the weight, of course, our celebrations have become a lot easier and a LOT less food.  My sisters and I have learned to change how we viewed these get togethers and have decided that we did not need all of the food.  It was more important to get together and chat, than to walk around with the never empty plate.  We also began camping during that weekend, which would include a bike ride or a hike. Instead of BBQ ribs, we do BBQ chicken and instead of the sugar laden BBQ sauce, I either make a home made sugar free BBQ sauce or we use the low calorie stuff you can buy in the store.  Instead of 2 types of potato salde, we now have 1 type and my sister has re-worked the recipe to reduce the fat content in it.  I make the cole slaw, using broccoli slaw and a sugar free mixture.  We still do baked beans, but have cut back the brown sugar and molasses in it - AND use the Splenda Brown Sugar to further decrease the sugar content.  We still have a pasta salad, but on one type and it is reduced, we still have corn on the cob and we only do one dessert - and it is a reduced sugar type (usually my sugar free angel food cake/fruit/pudding Trifle). OH!  And turkey burgers are on the grill, too. So, my point is - with proper planning and a great mindset, you can enjoy any gathering with family and friends.  Food does not have to be the focus of our gatherings....family and friends should be the focus!  Add some exercise (even a walk with a family member to "catch up") can make for a healthy event. And if you feel that you need the food, there are some great recipes out there that let you decrease the fat and sugar content of your favorites, so you too can enjoy them.

Good am Jill, I thank you for sharing this post this am. I've been thinking a lot about this for this year and how not just for me and Dad (who have had surgery) but for my buggas and fam/friends its fun to make dishes, have folks drooling and asking what's the secret and when I break it down for them and say "low fat, low sugar, low calories, sugar subs and overall healthier recipes they are like SERIOUSLY? (No, for fake!) I love that you mention too that its about TIME together not the foods. In addition, I'm SO proud of my oldest Kayla. She's been asking that we, together make and/or pack her lunch and we've been shopping TOGETHER and choosing healthy meals TOGETHER. She is really blossoming and smart and it shows. I pitched a MAJOR fit last year at her school about diet & nutrition because they decided selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for "quick cash" rawks! I seriously wrote a letter to the school, county and make such a stink to Kayla and fam/friends and instead of purchasing doughnuts we donated funds to Kayla's school. That has made such an impact on them. I got calls from the school principal, the school counselor and the county. Although this won't stop ALL bad behaviors its lets them know not only is it NOT ok but that there are many, many others choices/events besides ice cream shops and such. Thanks!

Jill - we go to a friend's annual memorial day (sun) party, down the street, i've been thinking what to take.  I think deviled eggs, since I can eat those as well!  I'm really more excited on seeing friends and trying not to focus on the food as much (its hard, but i think its working!).  Jill, thanks for all your inspiring posts, i swear, when i get under 200, i may change my avvie to "sporty lys", my hubby and i are joining a gym next week, i can't wait to meet with my trainer, and start doing cardio as well!  Lys B

Deviled Eggs are PERFECT!!!  Just remember to make it more about the friends and less about the food and you will do fine. Sporty Lys, huh....you go girl!