Don’t get me wrong, I love to indulge in some sweet summer treats a few times when I’m out with my friends or family enjoying the summer festivities, but I also make it a point to limit myself so I don’t backtrack on my fitness goals.

So to help keep you fitness enthusiasts on track over the summer and still looking smoking hot in your swimsuits, I’ve listed a few summer diet busters to definitely avoid this weekend (and all season!) and also some healthier options to satisfy your appetite but keep that waistline in check!

1. Potato Salad
Sure, it’s made with potatoes so I guess you can classify that as healthy since it’s got vegetables, but you’re not fooling me or your pant size with this one! Reality is, a small one cup serving of potato salad can pack as much as 400 calories
(or more!) and 18 grams of fat!!

If you’re at a summer picnic and you see this….slowly put the Styrofoam plate down and step away from the potato salad…I repeat…step away from the potato salad! Instead, opt for a dish with mixed fresh fruits, like the Summer Fruit Spectacular. It’s very refreshing on a hot summer day and much friendlier to your waistline!

2. Chips and Dip
They seem so harmless don’t they, since they are so small and so easy to grab while you’re talking it up with the neighbor you haven’t seen in a few months….but watch out…consuming chips and dip before a meal can easily add 500 calories in no time! Especially those creamy “veggie” dips, or 7-bean salads with loads of layers full of fattening ingredients (sour cream, cream cheese, cheese, refried beans, etc).

Instead, opt for the veggies sans the dip. The veggies are much lower in calories and much higher in the good stuff (nutrients, fiber) and still let you munch on something yummy before the real meals start.

3. BBQ Grill Meats
No matter what picnic I’ve been to, there’s always something BBQ and it’s usually not something healthy. Pulled BBQ pork, heavy sauced fatty cuts of meat…definitely not helping those sweat sessions in the gym.

Instead, pick the grilled chicken breast and add some BBQ sauce for flavor, but lightly coat the chicken breast, don’t drench it in so much sauce that your paper plate grows a gaping hole in the middle from the heavy amount of sauce that’s left after the meat is gone. (I’ve seen this…and I know you have too!)

You can still absolutely enjoy the picnics and tasty summer treats with friends and family, but you won’t be kicking yourself in the gym come next week because you have an extra 2,000 calories to burn just to get back on track.

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend and don’t forget to send me your fitness stories and updates! I always look forward to hearing from you!

Always in Strength,
Kari