Summer is officially here, and with it comes days at the beach, amusement park, and baseball stadium – where funnel cakes, double cheeseburgers, and brightly colored slushy concoctions clamor for your attention. What’s a health-conscious visitor to do? Here, your snack bar survival guide:
- Prepare. As the saying goes, an offense is the best defense. Visit the venue’s website before heading out and see what the snack bar options are – and what the policies are for bringing in outside food. If allowed, stash some of our 100-calorie snacks like our BBQ Zippers and Blueberry Pomegranate Protein Bar in your bag or pocket.
- Stick with water or low-cal drinks. A drink with an umbrella sounds good – until you consider that a pina colada or daiquiri can have over 500 calories and 17 grams of fat. Hydration is important, and water is your best bet.
- Search for good meal choices. Not all food stands carry the same fare. Walk around and see what the offerings are. While unhealthy food abounds, generally there are some plan-appropriate choices like grilled chicken, broiled shrimp kabobs, and green salads.
- Balance. If you are on the Wellness Phase and want to give yourself a treat, budget for it. In the days before you go, increase your activity and choose lower-calorie entrees (for example, a fish dinner versus a beef one).
- Build in exercise. Walk the amusement park instead of taking the tram; park at the furthest lot from the baseball field; rouse yourself out of your beach chair for a game of volleyball or touch football. Knowing you’ll be active can give you incentive to eat light. No one enjoys the prospect of jumping for a Frisbee with an uncomfortably full belly.
Active Medi-Weightloss® patients should consult the experts at their location on whether the foods and recipes mentioned are appropriate for their phase of the program.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be an exhaustive examination of the subject matter nor a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your primary care physician or healthcare provider before beginning any diet or exercise program.