Memorial Weekend is here. The pool is opened, the boat is ready, you are looking good in your shorts and even your bathing suit. You worked hard all winter to get into shape or maybe stay in shape. Most likely you will go to one picnic this weekend. Maybe one on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Do you just say 'screw the diet, it's only one weekend!' Or do you stay home and not go because you don't want to be the one who doesn't eat the burgers or hot dogs or has a beer or two.
According to the American Heart Association, you can enjoy this weekend just by making smart choices. Here are some ideas:
Go for broiled or grilled fish
skinless chicken breasts & turkey or poultry burgers
Watch the salt. Avoid salty seasonings and prepared condiments like teriyaki, soy and barbecue sauce, or choose the low-sodium versions.
Eat more fruits & veggies – grill them, top sandwiches and salads, and make veggies the star of your plate. Try adding seasonal fruits to salads or grilling them for a low-calorie dessert
Skip the high-fat potato chips, and instead serve raw veggies with a low-fat dip made from thick, fat-free Greek yogurt, not mayo
Choose whole wheat buns & bread for sandwiches and use baked whole wheat tortillas for a healthy fruit tart crust
Serve water, fruit juice spritzers or unsweetened teas.
Those ideas don't seem so bad. Even just trying one will probably not make you feel so guilty about 'cheating' on your healthy lifestyle.
I love dessert so I will usually bring a healthy dessert, yes there are healthy versions. My favorite and easiest, because who doesn't like easy, is Skinny Frozen Peanut Butter Whips. I found this recipe on the Creativebite webpage and everyone loves them.
SKINNY FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER WHIPS
PREP TIME
5 mins
TOTAL TIME
5 mins
INGREDIENTS
½ c. creamy peanut butter
1 8oz. carton Fat-Free Cool Whip
INSTRUCTIONS
Fold together the peanut butter and ½ c. Fat-Free whipped topping. Add the remaining Cool Whip in two separate portions, folding well after each addition.
Scoop or pipe the mixture using a resealable bag with a small slit, into mini muffin liners.
Set them in a cake pan to freeze for an hour and then pop them in a resealable bag to store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving size: 1 piece Calories: 47 Fat: 3 Carbohydrates: 4 Sugar: 1 Fiber: 1 Protein: 1 Cholesterol: 0
It is possible to stay healthy even as you gather with friends and family this holiday weekend or any other time. So go ahead, enjoy yourself and maybe have an extra side of coleslaw.  Remember,  it's ok because you brought the healthy dessert.

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