When you start a new diet, it can be easy to handle it while you are at home, but when you have to go somewhere like a BBQ, it gets a little more complicated. Functional Medicine Los Angeles offers the following tips to provide a lot of helpful advice when attending one and sticking to your diet.
Bring Something to the BBQ
This is by far the easiest way to handle going to any event where food is involved and you are on a diet. You can’t control everything being served, but you can definitely have at least one thing you can eat by bringing it yourself. Whether it is vegetarian, vegan, Paleo or Keto-friendly, or just a lighter option, there are plenty of things you can bring that you can eat, and others will enjoy as well.
1. Use Smaller Plates
Portions are a little harder to judge when you aren’t yet used to eyeballing things, but can’t really get out your measuring cups and spoons during a barbecue. Another option is to just fill up a smaller plate or small bowl instead of the larger plates. Many potlucks and barbecues will offer different types of plates for serving, so definitely take advantage of them.
2. Fill Up on Veggies and Fruit
To make your BBQ food choices healthier, fill up your plate with veggies and fruit first, then add in your lean protein and other options later. Ignore all the desserts and chips for the time being. As Functional Medicine Burbank has found, with fruit salad, be careful with what is included. Some of them will use a light dressing on top instead of just plain fruit. Avoid any fruit salad with cream inside because you don’t know how much fat is added to it.
3. Ignore the Drinks
Go for just water when you are at a barbecue, unless they offer diet soda. Soda, alcoholic beverages, and juice just add to the sugar and calories of your meal. Our professionals at Functional Medicine Studio City suggest that you save all that for the delicious food you are about to consume. Even diet soda can lead to sugar cravings and isn’t good for you anyway, so try to find bottled water if it is being offered.
4. Eat Just One Thing at a Time
This is a simple trick that prevents overeating, especially if you like to clean your plate. Get a small plate and choose just one type of food, whether it is grilled chicken or a pile of veggies. When you’re finished and find you’re still hungry, then you can go back for the next thing.
Contact Functional Medicine Los Angeles today for more tips to help you stick with your diet!