AARP Rewards Healthy Plate Contest, Week 4, May 24-31st

Contributor ⭐⭐

If you are going to a party, eat something good for you before you leave so you will not be tempted by all those sugar laden desserts

Contributor ⭐⭐

If you are driving any distance bring a small cooler with nuts, fruit and veggies

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jvf

Contributor ⭐

Our springtime weather has continued to be colder than normal so tried and true soups with lots of vegetables continue to keep us healthier than burgers and fries that are more traditional warm-weather fare. We also continue to eat a lot of salad greens, at least one meal every day. The newer salad 'kits' found in grocery stores make it easy to avoid having the same taste day after day. Plus the local fruit stands and gardeners' markets are due to open within the next few weeks so that will fill in our fresh fruit and vegetable intake as my raised bed garden plants mature.

Contributor ⭐⭐

If you do not have a lot of room but still like fresh items - check out Back to the Roots, sold at Wal Mart. I grow mushrooms and brocolli sprouts year round in my living room!

Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐

@TWC Thanks for the tip. Would like to learn more about indoor sprouting. I've bought "micro greens" and added them to veggie sandwiches. --- Christine

Contributor ⭐⭐

Either check out Back to the Roots website or most Wal Marts have a decent variety of their products.

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LisaC264658

Contributor ⭐

Moderation and portion control work wonders on long holidays of eating! This way you can have whatever you want, as long as you don't overdo it. 😉

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wr28185844

Contributor ⭐

Living in Florida makes it easy to be healthy. I have year round access to all types of fruits and vegetables. The biggest key for me was to remove unhealthy items from my house. If I don’t have the cookies and cakes readily available, then I can’t eat them.

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FrancetteH903709

Contributor ⭐

For the healthier summer barbeque, try mixing those wonderful veggies into your meat for grilling burgers. It adds juiciness and color. or for a different mix, put in some oatmeal to make use of those oat benefits, and enhance with your favorite herbs to spice up the flavor!

Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐

@FrancetteH903709 That sounds delicious! I've been using oat flour to make my banana nut muffins. --- Christine

Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐

@AARPTeri If you are going to someone's house for a meal, eating a light healthy snack before you go, may help you from overindulging. If hosting a gathering, including soup at the beginning is very filling. --- Christine

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RobinR799295

Contributor ⭐

I usually pick one day out of the holiday weekend to enjoy some fun treats but watching portion sizes to keep things in check. Throughout the weekend we will enjoy fun outdoor group exercise activities to keep everyone moving and having fun together: volleyball, group walks, swims, etc. Make it about being together and not just eating together.

Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐

@RobinR799295 You make a very good point. Extra physical activity can help balance a little splurge. Or just say this day is going to be a cheat day and enjoy. Got to do that now and then too. A super strict eating plan without occasional treats, will set most people up for totally over doing it, and often for more than one day. Got to give ourselves a little grace, and be kind. --- Christine

M

modav

Contributor ⭐⭐

For Memorial Day, we’ll use a low fat ground beef to make a burger on our charcoal grill along with a whole wheat bun, lettuce, tomato and red onion. Add some high fiber baked beans and a low fat salad. Yummy!

Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐

@modav Sounds delicious! Is there room for two more. 😄 --- Christine