Chillin' & Grillin'

In the US, Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season (but this information is great for everyone with a social life!)

BBQs, pool parties, camping, road trips, beach days…..so much fun to be had, we hope everyone is blessed with lots of sunshine this weekend and all summer long wherever you might be.

At PLT Nutrition, we take a flexible dieting approach and this provides you with, well, flexibility! 
This is a great weekend to really plan ahead and make good use of your relaxed plan, your flexible ranges or calorie cycling, and enjoy yourself without guilt or stress! If you’re not working with a coach but are working towards some important goals on your own, we hope the tips below are helpful! You CAN come away from a long weekend feeling empowered and confident that a fun time wasn’t a derailment from your goals!

I love to get everyone sharing their favorite tips….

If you are road trippin’ with the fam, share your car snack magic! What are you packing and what are your travel stop/convenience store go-to’s??

If you are hitting the beach for the day, what are your favorite sandwiches tucked away in your cooler and what else is in there waiting to get covered in sand?

If you are entertaining at home, you are in control of your environment and this is a great opportunity to be on the ‘lean & mean’ side of the grill especially if you are going somewhere that you can’t control the environment another day

Fire up the grill and lean towards lean protein, here are a few ideas, the possibilities are endless:

• BBQneless chicken breasts
• shrimp skewers w/peppers & pineapple
• salmon any way you like it
• teriyaki tuna steaks
• Asian boneless skinless chicken thighs
• spicy shrimp skewers w/baby tomatoes & onions
• pork loin rubbed w/your favorite spice blend
• scallop kabobs w/soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar marinade
• extra lean ground beef burgers
• foil packet fish & veggies
• black bean or veggie burgers
  

Keep your sides light too and when you are heading to friend’s homes, ALWAYS bring a ‘light side’ as you just know there will tons of mayo laden yummy sides you might not find are in your best interests! Use a light salad dressing you love or make your own using some balsamic, dijon mustard, salt & pepper and a splash of olive oil (or google homemade dressings, there are tons that are SO easy to throw together!)

• tossed salad w/lots of raw veggies
• spinach, strawberry, goats cheese salad
• arugula, peaches, crumbled blue cheese
• tomato, mozzarella, basil salad
• watermelon & feta salad
• shrimp & avocado salad
• deviled eggs
• grilled veggie/orzo salad
• cowboy caviar
• arugula & beet salad
• Patti's 'Famous' Citrus Slaw!

Sweet and decadent desserts are fun, and can and should be enjoyed in moderation, but how about some other lighter options that might keep you balanced:

• fruit skewers w/Greek yogurt dip sweetened w/honey
• grilled peaches w/homemade whipped cream or a little vanilla ice cream
• mini graham cracker crusts filled w/pudding, Greek yogurt etc. and topped with fruit & whipped cream
• teeny tiny brownie bites & chocolate dipped strawberries
• grilled pineapple
• watermelon & mint tossed with balsamic
• ice pops!

Check out our website for our blog on Summertime Strategies, and all our blogs related to nutrition, fitness, health & well being!

https://www.pltnutrition.com/our-blog/summertime-strategies