How to stay on track during 4th of July cook-out

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 4th of July holiday weekend is usually a perfect time to grill out and watch fireworks. But there are a few things you should remember so you don’t over-do-it at a cook-out this weekend.

Anna Busenburg, a Registered Dietician with St. Vincent’s Women’s Hospital shared a few suggestions on 24-Hour News 8 at noon.

Here are some of the things she said to try:

• Pick up a smaller plate: People eat less without noticing it if they are using a smaller plate. You could consume 50 percent fewer calories at that meal.
• Choose the healthier food first: Often there will be vegetables, fruit or lean meat available. Load up on those grilled vegetables. Choose these healthy food items and eat them first before reaching for a dessert item.
• Don’t skip a meal to save calories for a huge meal later: You might think you are saving calories, but people who wait to eat tend to over-indulge when they finally sit down for a meal. This is not a good practice. Aim for 3 meals a day and remember to enjoy some of those cook out treats in moderation.
• Be active: Find some ways to move on the 4th. This could be playing football with your family, going on a walk or playing corn hole.