Summer is a great time of year because there is so much more that can be done and enjoyed outdoors. Spending time with family and great friends are a part of life that should be enjoyed as much as possible. Unfortunately, all these good times may hurt your attempts at weight control.

If you are one of the millions who have enjoyed a barbeque or some cookouts, then chances are your weight control might have been compromised. Cookouts or a barbeque are a sure way to destroy any attempts to have weight control as nutrition is usually an after thought. I have some tips for you to think about the next time you are at a barbeque or going to cookouts that will help with your weight control.

Self Control = Weight Control

Chances are at one time or another this summer, you will be invited to or host a barbeque or cookout. It doesn't have to be the end of your weight control. If you practice self control it will lead to weight control.

I am not trying to rain on anyone's parade here but I am just trying to help people maintain their weight control and still enjoy a barbeque or some cookouts.

Cookouts or a barbeque are simply loaded with all the foods we love, and all the foods that can destroy your weight control. Here are some tips to make it a bit healthier or make it a little less damaging to weight control.

* Add chicken to the grill instead of just hot dogs and hamburgers
* Replace ALL white bread(hot dog buns,hamburger buns) with whole wheat breads
* Put the chips away and try assorted nuts
* Try using a platter of sliced fruits or steam some veggies
* Replace all soda with water or natural flavored drinks
* Make your own bbq sauce with natural ingredients.

You can have a happy medium. You can still enjoy a barbeque or your cookouts and still have weight control. Don't try to eat everything at one sitting. Watch out for the dressings and sauces as this can be a weight control killer. You should try to eat and then get up as sitting at the table with all the food will make you eat more than you should.

Burn Those Calories For Weight Control

One of the great thing about cookouts or a barbeque is enjoying the time outside and how it can help with weight control. You can use this time to help burn off some of calories from the food that you may have consumed.

*Go Swimming
*Play volleyball, wiffle ball, frisbee, horseshoes...
*Run around chasing the kids ( this could be the biggest calorie burner of all)
*Don't sit for long

It doesn't matter what type of activity you do just try and do something to keep you away from the food table. If you sit at the table in conversation the chances are you will eat more than you need to. It is crucial to weight control to eat and then move!

Whether it be cookouts or a barbeque, you need self control to maintain weight control. There is a lot of tasty food around but eat in moderation and try and stay active. Doing this will give you the best of both worlds of enjoying the time with family and friends, all while maintaining weight control.

Have Fun!

Exercise and Nutrition Tips

Author's Bio: 

Mike has enjoyed helping people reach their health and fitness goals for over 15 years.
Exercise and Nutrition Tips