BBQ season is here, and we couldn’t be happier to hang out with friends and family. While more outdoor time is healthy, loading up on brats and potato chips is not. This year, enjoy barbecue get-togethers while staying healthy with these 5 tips.
1. Bring fresh produce.
Before your party, visit the farmers' market or grocery store to grab some fresh produce. During a hot day, fresh fruit will hydrate you and be much more appealing than fatty snacks. When loading your plate, make sure to eat the fresh foods first, then move on to your indulgences - we promise you won’t want as much if you’re comparing taste profiles with whole foods.
2. Drink plenty of water.
At events when the end goal is overindulgence, your barometer for fullness will be skewed. If it’s a warmer day, your thirst may also feel like hunger. By drinking plenty of water, you’ll fill your tummy up with more hydration rather than a second brownie.
3. Take a break before round two.
With so many food options, it’s easy to break a BBQ up into two plate rounds. Rather than eating two full plates, take smaller servings of everything you’d like to try. Take a 15-minute break after your first plate to let your food settle and ask yourself if you’re really hungry.
4. Go for a walk after eating.
Eating heavily processed foods can make you lethargic for an entire day. Along with our other advice, we recommend going for a walk 30 minutes after your meal. Get your qi flowing so your food doesn’t weigh you down and you’re able to keep present and moving throughout the rest of the day.
5. Drink Digestive Harmony.
Our Digestive Harmony formula is based on the traditional Chinese medicine formula Bao He Wan ("Preserve Harmony"). Composed of eight sustainably-sourced herbs, this ancient herbal blend has been traditionally used to support digestive balance after large or heavy meals. The herbs have stood the test of time, but now Digestive Harmony is delivering them in a more tasty orange and chai flavor. Use occasionally after indulgent meals or as part of a daily wellness routine to support your digestive system.
Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options. If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.
Jane Veitenheimer is a Minneapolis-based writer who is passionate about vinyasa yoga and holistic healing. In her free time she juices, knits with her two cats, and goes on long hikes with her dog.
