It’s summer time! And with hot weather normally comes outdoor barbecues or dinners almost every weekend! These parties can put a real damper on your desire to eat healthy if you let them. Here are a few tips to help you stop focusing on what you can and can’t eat at the party and allow yourself to just enjoy!

• When you go to a barbecue your assuming your going to eat. I mean why wouldn’t you? That is what you do at a Barbecue. But your actually not going just to eat, your going so that you can socialize with friends and family! Eating is secondary (at least it is supposed to be!) Make connecting with people your first priority. This may help take focus off of the food. You may actually stop eying the potato chips you “shouldn’t eat”.
• Chat with someone while you’re eating and actually stop eating at 3 points during your conversation to just listen. Once again taking the focus off food. This will also help you to recognize when you’ve had enough. Stopping for a breather gives your mind a little time to catch up with your body so you actually get that “I’m feeling satisfied” signal. (Notice how I said satisfied and not FULL)
• Don’t talk with your mouth full. I knew my parents taught me this for a reason! When your telling a story – stop and talk. Don’t bite- talk – chew, bite – talk. One thing at a time. Put your plate down and tell your story. Again, another way to give your tummy a small break so that it has more time to signal to your brain that you’ve had enough.
• Offer to bring something to help out and make it something healthy. Something that can be your go-to in the event that your having trouble finding healthy options.
• Meet two new people. If you’ve been invited to a barbecue and don’t know everyone – make it your mission to chat with 2 new people. This gives you a task so that the task of standing beside the food table and guarding it with your eyes (and maybe your mouth) is someone elses responsibility.