Prep, Plan, and Party: 4 Tips for Diet Success At Every Event

Summer is officially here, and if you’re anything like us, the summer season means that backyard BBQs and family gatherings are a regular weekend occurrence. So how do you stay on track with so many parties, cookouts, and events this summer? The answer is actually a lot simpler than you might think! I’m breaking down my top four tips and tricks for staying on track while still enjoying your favorite family festivities. 

Here’s a look at some of my party and picnic faves to keep you on track:

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  1. Protein before you party: Before heading out of the house to a family BBQ or special event, take a few minutes to drink a quick protein shake first. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to eat before you eat, it’ll keep you full and satiated throughout the day, leading to fewer temptations and more room for success in sticking to your goals. Having a protein shake as your pre-game will also ensure you’re hitting those high protein macros as well! We call that a win-win-win!
  2. Chug, Chug, Chug…Water, that is!: When heading out for any party, event, or even a quick errand, it’s extremely important to keep your water close by. Not only is summer a prime time for dehydration, but we often mistake hunger for thirst, so keeping hydrated can help squelch those phantom hunger pangs and keep your appetite on track. Drink up!
  3. Grab the greens: Deprivation is certainly not the name of the game when it comes to family parties and celebrating with friends?it’s all about moderation. Filling your plate with fresh fruits and veggies and grilled meat and then adding in small amounts of grandma’s famous potato salad or those mouthwatering potato chips will ensure you stay on track with your diet goals while still living in the moment. Eliminating your favorite foods entirely can lead to overindulging later on, so try to fill up on the foods that are good for you first, leaving just a bit of room for those diet busters.
  4. BYOF: Bring Your Own Food! I’m not talking in the killjoy, bring a Tupperware full of perfectly portioned ground turkey and rice kind of way, I’m talking about contributing to family potlucks with a delicious, nutritious clean(er) food that the whole fam can get on board with! Try one of our Powell Pack-approved favorites like our Spinach Artichoke Dip or Corn and Black Bean Salsa. This is one of my favorite ways to stay on track and still feel like I’m enjoying the party to the fullest!

Family parties and holiday celebrations are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over! Keep on track the best you can by using my easy tips and making good, healthy choices whenever you can. Do you have a secret to surviving family functions and parties with friends? Let me know your tricks to success!

Xoxo,

Heidi

Related reading:

4th of July BBQ Recipes: Mouthwatering and Powell-Approved!
When It?s Too Dang Hot to Cook! We Chill?
Macro Tracking For the Win! All of Your Questions Answered
Peanut Butter Power Fudge
Greek Yogurt ?Ranch? Dip
Fun in the Sun: Healthy Summer Popsicles!

7 Responses

  1. Thank you so much Heidi. The transform app and diet bet app together have really prepared and motivated my weight loss journey. Injuries and menopause had me dazed and confused, till now. Not only has the scale started to move in the RIGHT direction, down 8 pounds in three weeks. I now feel GREAT!! More like my old self, confident, stronger and HEALTHIER. So thank you for all the great daily tips and maps to keep me in track and prepared for just about….. everything. Thanks again.

  2. Can u have protein bars and if so wat kind could we have on a carb cycle diet pls I’m from the uk so if u could name a type or wat it needs that would be very greatful I’m not struck on shakes if I’m honest or even if u know wat protein shakes to get that are nice too x

    1. Hi Gemma: Protein bars can be a healthy option for both low and high carb meals, especially when you need a quick source of healthy nutrition. The key to knowing which bar is best for which type of meal is to look at both the carb and fat content. If more calories come from fat than carbs, then that bar is a good option for a low-carb meal. If the reverse is true, then that bar is a good option for a high-carb meal. Chris and Heidi do recommend consuming only one protein bar a day, since it is best to eat whole foods whenever possible. As for protein powders, look for those that are low in fat (less than 3g), low in carbs (less than 5g), with around 20-25g of protein per serving. Other than that, go with what you like best! 🙂

  3. Great tips for the family, Heidi! I never thought about drinking a protein shake before a family picnic but it makes sense that it would keep us feeling satiated. Sometimes it’s difficult to completely stay on track on a healthy diet because other family members bring delicious guilty food 🙂

  4. Cant wait to start my new way of eating’i cant call it a diet because have to lose tbe weight but its a lifeime change . I have a intorrance to gluten . Lets just say if i eat anything eith gluten , i look like i am 9+ months pregnate and i cant move ‘super painful ‘ so i need to try and make the new way of eating a complete success.

  5. Thanks for the great tips, Heidi! I actually just spent 12 days visiting family and friends and because of the Transform app was able to stay mostly on track. You can always find something on a picnic table to choose from if you know what to look for! And you are right, I did indulge in some of my favorite things – a little of my Mom’s potato salad and of course some wine!!! Thanks for keeping us honest and on track!

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