The Summer Food Challenge
Picnics, Family Reunions, Hanging at the Pool -- July Brings Many Dangers to Our Best Intentions for Eating Right
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Summertime is here and for many of us that means vacations, family reunions and trips to fast food restaurants for dinner after long days at the pool.
Although these activities can make summer fun, they can also cause stress, especially for moms trying to lose or maintain weight.
It’s easy to choose less healthy foods when we’re out of our routines. Here are some “Do’s” (forget the “Don’ts!”) to help you maintain or safely lose weight this summer.

1) Eat breakfast everyday
Some healthy breakfast choices include whole grain cereal with 1% or skim milk and a sliced banana; whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a piece of fresh fruit; or oatmeal with a chopped apple and cinnamon.
Breakfast will help jump start your metabolism.

2) Eat grilled and baked food
When eating at restaurants, choose grilled or baked chicken (without the skin) or fish. A grilled chicken salad with a side of lite salad dressing can hit the spot after a hot day in the sun!
Avoid fried foods and leave out the cheese, sour cream, butter, margarine and mayonnaise to cut calories and fat.

3) Drink plenty of water
Your body is approximately 60% water. Soda, sweetened tea, sports drinks and energy drinks provide unnecessary calories.
Not to mention, water (especially tap) can be much cheaper.

4) Take healthier food to your family reunion
A few examples are low-fat deli meat and whole wheat bread for sandwiches. Fix or purchase a veggie or fruit tray with low-fat dip. Bring baked tortilla chips and salsa.
Also, fresh strawberries with angel food cake and low-fat whipped topping makes an easy and tasty dessert!

5) Stock your kitchen with low-calorie, low-fat snacks
Air-popped popcorn, pretzels, fruit and vegetables are healthy snacks. Not having the higher-calorie, higher-fat foods around will prevent you from eating them.

6) Think Outside the Ice Cream Cone
Feel like having a frozen treat on a hot day? Try a frozen, 100% fruit bar, low-fat ice cream or low-fat frozen yogurt.

7) Get active!
The recommendation for physical activity is two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic (or one hour and fifteen minutes of vigorous) activity per week, and muscle strengthening activities at least two days per week.

Info: Visit the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department web site at www.lexingtonhealthdepartment.org