Australia Day the healthy way
As our official national day approaches, I’m sure many of you are planning your Australia Day celebrations. It’s a time when we parade our national pride and celebrate everything Australian.
Although there are many organised events, many of us celebrate this day with family and friends. And, like many other celebrations in summer, there are several common elements: BBQs, too much food, too much alcohol, too much time in the sun… you get the picture. And whilst some might argue that this is the Aussie way, it’s not a very healthy picture.
Keep in mind that you’ve only been trying out your New Year’s resolutions for three weeks. Now is not the time to throw in the towel!
How can you celebrate Australia Day the healthy way?
Despite what experience might tell you, a barbeque doesn’t have to be an unhealthy event. There’s certainly nothing wrong with some lean grilled meat. This Australia Day opt for healthy salads and sides to accompany your meat. And just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to eat it all! It really is possible to practice portion control whilst celebrating this great day.
And don’t forget about those hidden liquid calories! Sugary sodas, beers, and just about everything else you’ll be tempted to quaff this Australia Day are loaded with calories. For ideas and tips about how to negotiate drinking and your diet, read my post about the healthier options when it comes to booze.
Although it’s great to spend time outdoors, too much sun exposure will leave you feeling sore and ill for days. Make sure you apply suncreen in the morning, and regularly throughout the day if you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. Try to find a spot of shade to provide you some relief from the Aussie sun. Wear a cap or hat to shield your face and neck and try to keep your direct sun exposure to a minimum in the midday heat.
As the official website states, Australia Day is much more than barbeques and fireworks. So there’s no reason why you can’t be healthy as you celebrate our wonderful country!