By Christe Smith
I don’t know about you but I love the summer time here in Thurston County. So many summer cook outs with friends & family, plus all the fairs that Thurston county has to offer and not to mention all the AMAZING food! I know for myself this is one of the hardest times of the year to stay on a clean/healthy eating lifestyle.
So while you are chatting & laughing away at all these Thurston county events this summer, remember the 80 /20 rule. The rule is that, 80% of the time you eat and drink super clean/healthy plus exercise (with your favorite Rock Bottom trainer :)) so that when the fair or cook out rolls around, you can step out of the clean/healthy eat box a little…and I do mean a LITTLE! Please remember that when you do step out of the box, it can be very…very hard to step back in.
What I like to do is always bring a side dish that I know is clean to the cook out. That way I can always eat clean/healthy at the event and not feel like I am missing out or be as tempted to reach for one of those same old cookout menu items that everyone brings. I also bring my own protein ( turkey burger, chicken dog, fish) to grill, because we all know what is in that commercially processed hamburger and hot dog..YUCK!!!! While preparing for that day or evening at the fair, pack clean/healthy snacks and stay way from all the fried foods. Better yet look for grilled items that the vendors offer.
The other thing that I love about cook outs and Thurston county fairs, are all the fun physical activities. For example, this past 4th of July, I had the pleasure to be invited to our friends, that live on Thurston counties Long Lake. Since they live on Long Lake, I got to paddle boat out to middle of the lake to watch the fireworks. Before that we danced to great music and we even jumped on the trampoline like kids! So with Thurston counties Lake Fair approaching think of how you can be active….like go into the bounce house with your kids or ride your bike to the fair. Just remember that children learn by our examples…so take advantage of all the physical activities that Thurston county Lake Fair has to offer!
So stay active at your cook outs and Thurston county fairs, all the while eat clean/healthy! most of all have a great happy and healthy Thurston county summer!
