America is just the greatest. I know it’s the week after 4th of July, but I’m still just feeling so patriotic. 

Have you ever noticed that just about every holiday in America is about the food? Halloween…..Candy. Birthdays…..cake & ice cream. Christmas……cookies. Valentine’s Day….chocolate. Thanksgiving…..you get the point. 

Summer BBQs and potlucks are the same way. 

How in the WORLD am I supposed to eat healthy when I spend time with my family for celebrations?

True, it’s like, the greatest when you get to eat all sorts of foods at a potluck and all you had to do was half-a$$ a fruit salad. lol

There’s just one problem with potlucks……there’s rarely a healthy option for you to eat.

And the bloat….oh my goodness it’s awful. 

I can’t tell you how often I get all bloated up after getting together with some friends for a summer potluck. All the chips & dips, potato salad, beans, hamburgers, SO…..MANY…..CARBS. 

Plus, on top of the few beers or ciders you have, you may as well forget about your flat stomach. Or what’s left of it. 

I’ve put together some tips for you to conquer your time at potlucks and not come out aalllll bloaty and feeling gross. These 8 weight loss hacks for summer potlucks will come in handy at your next get-together!

*Plan Ahead*

If you know you’re going to a get together where there will probably be tons of foods that’ll bloat ya right up, plan ahead. Bring a healthy option yourself! Whether that be a salad, a healthy alternative to the main dish, or something else pretty filling. Whatever it is, make sure that you have at least one healthy option when you get there.

*Ask The Host/Hostess*

If you aren’t sure the types of food there will be, ask ahead of time! If the host is planning on making a main dish that you’d rather not have, offer to bring an alternative! It’s a potluck after all, the more food the better. America. 

*BYOB*

Bring your own drinks! Don’t assume they’ll have a lighter alcohol option. Most potlucks I’ve been to have beer and some sort of super sweet juice cocktail in a mason jar-shaped beverage dispenser. To avoid the alcohol bloat altogether, just opt for water or some sort of sparkling unsweetened water for the day. (My favorite right now is Bubly {pictured below}). And don’t forget to carry your healthy beverage around with you. You’ll eat less junk if you’re sipping something. 

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Speaking of healthy drinking, you need to read my blog post about How To Drink Alcohol and Still Lose Weight! Click here!

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*Avoid the Snack Table*

It’s soooo easy to overeat, even when you aren’t hungry, if you hang out around the food. It just makes sense. Everything looks so good, and there are so many options! When you’re close to the food, it’s easy to grab some of these, then some of that, and “oh yeah that too!”. If you’re trying to avoid overeating, avoid hanging out where the food is. 

*Eat Something Before Hand*

Eating before you get there is a sure fire way to make sure you don’t overeat. If you’re starving when you get there, you’re going to overeat. It’s just the way the universe works. Making the effort to eat something healthy before hand, and avoid all that bloat afterwards. 

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Put one of these stashable snacks in your car beforehand and mow down on it on the way there!

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*Eat the Veggies*

Hit the veggie plate up first. Load up on vegetables, then go back for the other stuff. I usually look for a broccoli salad, a few pieces of fruit, and the veggie tray first. All the fiber will help fill you up before you get to those Doritos. 

*Focus on Socializing*

It’s a get together after all! Focus more on friends and family. Play yard games or throw a ball around. Make your potluck about more than just the food. 

*Moderation*

I honestly feel like “everything in moderation” is just a tired phrase. But it stands true. If you really want those deviled eggs, have a couple! If you’re going to rip into the Doritos, do it like you mean it. Just don’t over do it. Eat healthy most of the time, but indulge too. It’s all about balance. 

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Save this blog post for later and pin it now!

Now you can go out and conquer your potlucks with confidence instead of stressing out about eating healthy. Because stressing about food sucks. So don’t do it. 

What did you think of 8 weight loss hacks for summer potlucks? Comment below!

xoxo Megan