Tips to Enjoy Summer Events, While Still Supporting Your Health!
Summer is such a fun time of year! So many opportunities to gather with those we love, from picnics to weddings, graduation parties, and traveling. These are all good things! However, when you are following a healing protocol or simply trying to make proactive choices for your health, these events can sometimes seem like obstacles to your goals. I am here to tell you that you can embrace them both!
After walking the path of supporting my health through nutrition for over 20 years, I have mastered these situations and am happy to share what I have figured out with you.
Read on for practical tips, as well as mindset shifts, both of which will be setting you up for a happy and healthy summer!
First Practical Step - Always Start With a Plan
There are a variety of summertime events, each with its own approach. However, the commonality among them is the steps of accessing, anticipating, and preparing for each gathering.
When you have a plan, you are setting yourself up for success! Doing so will reduce your stress, help you relax, and allow you to fully enjoy the event!
Picnics, Reunions, and Graduation Parties
These events are often ones where you bring a dish to pass. In these situations, I bring something I know I can eat and that others will enjoy too! My family has been helpful over the years, giving their input on building out a list of “party-worthy” recipes!
Some of my go-to options are a veggie tray with homemade hummus or ranch dip, broccoli slaw, and Otto’s Naturals Paleo Brownie Mix! I have found this brownie mix to be the best! I’ve taken it to many events, and everyone loves it!
If I’m not sure what is being served and I am not bringing a dish to pass, I may eat a small, healthy snack beforehand. This way, if there is only a small selection of options for me, I won’t be hungry.
I also typically have a backup snack on hand. Generally, I carry a few Sea Salt Chomps sticks in my purse, for those “just in case” situations. If need be, I will eat one on the way home.
Weddings
Such a wonderful time to celebrate a couple at the beginning of their new life together!
At these events, it is often a sit-down dinner, and sometimes a buffet. If you are given the opportunity to make dietary requests, my approach is to mention what matters most. I do have a few categories of food I avoid, but gluten is the one I mention, because that is the most problematic for me.
Once again, I would suggest eating a protein-rich snack before you go, especially so you are not overly hungry during cocktail hour. If you will be having alcohol, a possible suggestion is to alternate each drink with a glass of water.
For a fun tip…
Say yes to dancing 💃🕺: It’s a fun way to stay active and enjoy the event!
Mindset reminder…
You’re there to celebrate love and connection, not just the cake! :) Remembering that helps keep your focus on the newlyweds and on connecting with others, rather than on what you can and cannot eat.
Traveling By Air
Prepare for your travel days, assuming there won’t be options to eat at the airport and/or you won’t have time to eat due to connecting-flight issues. Adopting this mindset sets you up for success, so you are not forced into a choice that compromises your health.
Think about the hours that you will be traveling and what meals you will be traveling for. Then plan accordingly.
I typically account for 2 meals on the go.
A suggestion for Meal 1 can be 2 Chomps bars, apple slices, and “6 Seed Top Seedz” crackers.
A suggestion for Meal 2 can be a container of mixed nuts and/or seeds (pumpkin and sunflower seeds, or walnuts), a baggie of raw veggies, olives, and a single-serving container of guacamole. There are guacamole cups that only contain mashed avocados.
I do enjoy chocolate and desserts, so I plan accordingly to preempt any temptations! I bring along a couple of Simple Mills Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich cookies. Cocoa & Cashew Butter are my favorites! :)
I put the cold items in a small cooler in my backpack. I use a hard blue ice pack to keep everything cold. Security will typically pull my bag aside to check it, but pulling the cold pack out for them to see can sometimes help to avoid that. As long as it is frozen, it is okay to have it in your carry-on.
You can also look up the restaurant options in advance in the terminal you will be traveling through. I typically travel through Baltimore, and I highly recommend Silver Linings restaurant!
Traveling By Car
Here, I typically follow the same food plan I use when I fly for what I bring.
If you have the space, you can bring a cooler with some additional food options. For this, you would want to consider how many days you will be traveling. You can replenish your ice at the hotel using ziplock bags. I also recommend getting a hotel room with a mini fridge to store your food overnight and during your stay.
You can look up restaurant options near you in advance, review their menus, and find those that can accommodate your needs. Whenever you need to request modifications to your order, be sure to ask politely. I also like to tip well to show my appreciation for their extra effort!
Regarding fast food, your best options are going to be Wendy’s and Shake Shack hamburgers on a bed of lettuce.
Mindset Shifts
As with anything new, I suggest that, in addition to the practical steps, being intentional about your mindset is even more important!
Here are my top tips for how to approach these special events:
Advocate for yourself with grace.
Prioritize connecting with the people over the food you cannot eat. Healing does not just come from the food on our plates. These relationships play a significant role in your health.
Own your journey—don’t depend on other people’s choices to dictate your journey.
Planning is a powerful form of self-care.
If you want to indulge, planning for it will always serve you well. When you have a treat, enjoy it fully, without guilt, and then let it go :)
Don’t stress about the food! Let yourself be present and enjoy the moments with those you love!
It isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having the tools in your toolbox to support your health and your goals…while also being able to enjoy all the special moments during the summer!
Wishing you a summer full of connection with those you love while staying on track with your health goals!
Sending you so much love,
Beth xo
If you are interested in my hummus, ranch, or broccoli slaw recipes, comment below! I’m happy to email them to you!
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