Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson understands the importance of summertime cookouts with family and friends. However, you still want to try and maintain your healthy diet by making the right food choices the majority of the time—even at a friend’s barbecue gathering. Read on for some ways to keep your healthy eating habits even during the summer months.

Healthy Eating for the Summer

First, make sure to eat enough fiber, especially in the morning. Foods that contain fiber are more likely to keep you feeling full longer because they move slowly through the digestive system. When you think of fiber, you may think of whole grains. But those are far from the only source of fiber. Turn to foods like beans, brown rice, nuts, berries and vegetables for a healthy dose of fiber.

The second tip is for when you dine out. Chances are high that you’ll probably take a trip sometime this summer. Therefore, it’s important to stay on track with your healthy choices, even if that means making them at a restaurant. Choose foods that have been baked, broiled or grilled. Watch your portion size, and bypass the bread basket, appetizers and dessert. While delicious, those are just added calories you don’t necessarily need.

Finally, remember to stay hydrated. Not only does drinking water throughout the day help you to replace any water lost during exercise or sweating while in the heat, but it can also help you to feel full and not eat as much as you would without drinking water. Try drinking a glass of water before every meal, which has been shown to help people eat less.

Do you think your recent cookout left you with food poisoning? Visit AFC Urgent Care Hixson today so we can get you back to feeling better.