6 Tip for Your Summer Cookout! 9/84

Good morning everyone! I had another post ready for today but I came up with this idea and wanted to get it out to you asap. Since today is Memorial Day, I wanted to do a quick post on my top tips for staying in track during those great summer parties. Cookouts are a great way to spend time with family, relax in a pool or on a boat, and have the ability to eat a ton of food. Although grilled food can be super healthy, we all know that the burgers and brats are going to show up eventually. And let's be honest, that potato salad probably doesn't fit very well in your macros. But, there are some things you can do to help preserve your waistline while still enjoying yourself.

1. Try to get an early workout

It may be too late for this today, but if you can get a gym session in before your party then make sure you get there (shoutout to everyone during Murph today). We all know you won't do it later and your gym will probably all be closed anyway. Burn some calories, get it out of the way, and prep your body for some good food.

2. Opt for chicken when possible

If you have the option of grilled chicken at you family cookout then try to grab that as often as possible. It's no secret that chicken is almost always leaner than beef or hotdogs so it's going to have any fewer calories and more protein per serving. Grilled chicken can be dry sometimes so feel free to add a little of your favorite condiment if needed. It won't make or break your day.

3. If not, pick burgers over hotdogs

If chicken is not an option then I would pick a burger over a dog. Super processed meat products like those are loaded with salty preservatives and fat (usually like 50/50 fat and protein) which will add a ton of calories to you day. Although burgers aren't the best, 80/20 protein to fat is probably the worst you'll have to deal with and can be much less processed than their pork friends. Careful with the cheese too.

4. Skip the bun (kind of)

This has been a go to so far this weekend for me. 1 burger with a bun then another patty with no bun after. There's nothing wrong with carbs but they like to be overly present at holiday events. Losing just one bun can save you around 30g of carbs and up to 180 calories. That extra party will get you some satiating protein as well.

5. Veg out on veggies

This is a tip that applies to daily life as well. If you're trying to lose fat or just don't want to over eat junk then load up on that veggie tray or salad at the start of your meal. Most veggies are "free foods" that I don't even make my clients track. Eat at least 1-2 cups and that will take up some space in your stomach and make you feel more full faster. Just watch out for vegetables like carrots that are higher in carbs. While still great and healthy, I would track them. After your veggies eat your protein then whatever you have left.

6. Do something active

Although days like today can be great for relaxing, try to get some family games or sports at some point during that day. Volleyball, kickball, softball, or even corn hole can at least get you up and moving to burn a few extra calories and get that blood flowing. It doesn't need to be anything crazy, just get up and moving.

If this finds you in time today then good luck. If not then save these tips for you next outing so you can be prepared! Don't forget, if you want to be the first to hear about new posts, new programs, and get discounts on paid services, make sure to leave your email in the space above and join my Newsletter list! The list is growing rapidly so don't miss out!

See you tomorrow!

Facebook: Greg Herceg - Personal Trainer
Instagram: @GregtheTrainer
Email: gsherceg@gmail.com