This upcoming Independence Day, my thoughts go quickly to the menu. My
extended family has a variety of special diets, and I now follow a Bariatric diet.
So it turns out menu planning could be quite difficult. I chose to make it simple.
Our menu will consist of the usual BBQ fare (hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken
skewers, and Veggie burgers), with fixings to help make it healthier.
The Bariatric diet prioritizes hydration first and protein second. Stay hydrated with water or diet lemonade and avoid alcohol. Eating small meals throughout the day is easy because it is a long day of snacking. Make available healthier options such as a veggie platter with green goddess dip, mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped with turkey or prosciutto, and curry eggs. I put them out in shifts so they don’t sit out too long.
CURRY EGGS RECIPE
- Hard boil a dozen eggs
- Peel and cut eggs in half lengthwise
- Remove the egg yokes and mix with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (recommended Best Foods)
- Add Curry powder, salt, and pepper to taste
- Scoop a teaspoon of the mixture back into the eggs
Once the BBQ is fired up, Set aside a plate for yourself with the healthiest proteins such as chicken skewers and a hamburger with a lettuce bun. It will help to be busy entertaining and taking care of guests. It helps me cut down on unnecessary snacking. If you are not hosting volunteer to help the host or keep yourself busy with activities.
The day is a long one from BBQ to fireworks, you definitely need to pace yourself. Leave a daily set of
vitamins somewhere you will have easy access to them. The busier you are the more likely you are to forget them. Nothing is worse than the sinking feeling you get when you pull out your vitamins and realize you forgot to take them all.
The best way to not only survive but enjoy your Independence day is to plan ahead (bring snacks if you don’t have control of the menu), stay hydrated, keep active, and take your vitamins. Most of all enjoy yourself, and the new thinner
you.
