Spring is the time when the weather gets warmer and the sunshine draws us outside more. This can lead to a desire to host garden parties and enjoy barbecues with friends and family. However, these enjoyable events can also involve high-calorie foods and drinks, leading to a less-than-pleasant outcome—weight gain.
How can you avoid gaining weight at a barbecue?
Spring garden parties and barbecues are a part of life, and it’s perfectly okay to enjoy higher-calorie foods and drinks in moderation. The key is to find a balance, be mindful of your food choices, and keep an eye on portion sizes. If you’ve had a few “food indulgences,” don’t feel bad—just focus on making healthier choices going forward.
The problem is that during garden parties and barbecues, there are usually plenty of high-calorie foods on the table, such as fatty meats, sausages, cheeses, potato salads, sugary drinks, and sweets. Socializing and the festive atmosphere can also make it hard to control your eating and lead to higher calorie intake. A bite here, a bite there—without even noticing. Does this sound familiar?
Add alcohol consumption to the mix, and the impact is even worse. No, not just because of alcohol’s unhealthy effects on your body. That’s certainly a factor, but alcoholic beverages are also high in calories and often increase feelings of hunger.
So how can you avoid gaining weight in the spring and keep your weight under control?
Make mindful food choices
Opt for healthier food choices at garden parties and barbecues. When grilling, choose skinless chicken, fish, or vegetables, which are known for being lower in calories and fat. Also include fresh salads, fruits, and vegetables on the menu. You can also try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes by using less fat, sugar, and salt, for example.
Follow the principle of measured portions
Keep track of the amounts of food and drinks you consume. Follow the principle of measured portions to avoid consuming too many calories. A barbecue doesn’t have to be a time to forget all your healthy eating habits and give in to temptation endlessly. You probably know those mornings when you’ve overeaten the night before—in addition to feeling unwell, you’re often plagued by regret.
Drink alcohol in moderation
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Alcoholic beverages contain a lot of empty calories and can increase your appetite and reduce your self-control when it comes to food choices. This study also found, that alcohol consumption increases appetite and food intake, which can lead to weight gain.
Opt for low-calorie beverages, such as white wine or low-alcohol drinks. Don’t forget to drink water as well to stay hydrated.
Find more information about the effects of alcohol and how to reduce your consumption on the Alkoinfo page!
And of course—keep up your physical activity!
Spring is a great time to be even more active outdoors. Make physical activity a regular part of your daily routine to burn more calories and stay in shape. When the weather is nice, go for a walk, run, ride a bike, or do some yard work. If the weather is bad or you’d like a guided workout, choose a workout from FitQ. Even in the middle of the night. Check out the selection of video workouts here!
You can also try new activities, such as having a picnic outdoors, hiking, or taking a walk on the beach. Physical activity helps burn extra calories and keep your weight under control.
All in all, spring can be a time when weight gain is common, as calorie intake tends to increase during garden parties and barbecues. However, it is possible to keep your weight under control by choosing healthier food options, watching your portion sizes, and staying active. Finding a balance is the key to enjoying spring and summer in a healthy way and maintaining a healthy weight.
