The Fit Girl's Guide to Summer, Part 1: The Problem of the Poolside Binge

BBQ's, margaritas, late nights, and vacations make summer every girl's favorite season. Unfortunately, us ladies are still supposed to have a rockin' bod to flaunt half-naked all summer. How in the world will you be able to pull this off with the smell of grilled, greasy burgers constantly lingering in the air? Hopefully, these realistic tips and scrumptious recipes will give you just the motivation you need!

• Tip #1: Don't jump on the bandwagon, drive it.

When all your friends are indulging in beef burgers and hot dogs on white bread, loaded with full-fat sauces and fried onions, it's embarrassing being the only one to say no, right? Instead of depending on the host(ess) to provide you with your sustenance, bring your own supplies! The brand Eating Right makes delicious turkey burgers, which, when piled on a whole wheat bun and topped with grilled veggies, makes a nutritious and guilt-free meal you can grub on poolside (see recipe below). Your friends will be eyeing your plate and your slim tummy.

• Tip #2: Be smarter than the cocktail.

Or the burger, or the chips. Ladies, don't tell me that you don't know how to eat healthy. You know sliced strawberries are a better snack than potato chips. You KNOW that every hour, instead of falling asleep on the pool chair, you should swim a few laps or simply walk around and mingle. You KNOW light beer has less calories than that tequila-and-sugary-syrup-combo your friend is offering you. If you're serious about losing weight or just want to take care of your body, all it takes a serious dose of willpower!

• Tip #3: Unleash your sneaky side.

Eating healthy is a lot easier than you think. For instance, fruit and veggies can be added to anything! Bring sliced watermelon down to the pool so you're not tempted to stuff your face with your pals' greasier options. If you really have no choice but to eat the juicy ribs, balance it out—your friends won't even notice! Have half a portion as every one else, but eat it slowly. Pile twice the veggies on the side of your plate so you'll still feel like you're eating a lot. Use ketchup and mustard (or light mayo) instead of regular mayo on your burgers, or use less of your favorite sauce and add a few extra dashes of pepper to keep a good flavor. The most fun way to be sneaky, though, is with your cocktails. Dunk a few sliced strawberries, peaches, or pineapple into your drink and stir vigorously. Not only will this make your regular vodka-juice concoction drink taste delicious, you can chew on your booze-infused fruit when you get to the end of the drink, and still feel guilt-free the entire time (see recipe below).

The Fit Girl's Best Poolside BBQ Meal

Burgers, guacamole and chips, kabobs AND a fizzy cocktail? Yes, please! Make it the healthy girl's way and feel fabulous—not bloated—in your bikini. 

For the Burgers:

Eating Right Turkey Burgers

Whole wheat hamburger buns

Your favorite low-fat sliced cheese (I recommend pepper-jack)

Lettuce leaf, tomato and onion (optional)

Sauces: Ketchup, Honey Mustard, Light Mayo or your homemade guac (see below)

Instructions: Flip the patties every few minutes, and make sure to toast the buns, too. For the last couple minutes, top patties with cheese so the cheese melts. Spread desired sauce on the entirety of both buns so you get a kick of flavor in every bite. Top with any desired veggies, or simply enjoy the veggie kabobs below.

For the Guacamole:

1 Ripe Avocado

Diced Onion

Garlic Salt

Pepper

Juice of 1 Lime

Instructions: Mash avocado in medium-sized bowl, occasionally squeezing in lime juice. Add diced onion, garlic salt, and pepper, according to taste. Mix until there are no chunks in the dip (unless you like it that way!). Leave avocado pit in dip to ensure freshness. Enjoy with low-fat tortillla chips (a few will actually help more than hurt—you'll feel like you're indulging, which limits salt cravings). For a large bowl of guacamole, add another avocado.

For the Veggie Kabobs:

Red, Yellow, and/or Green Pepper

Cucumber

Onion

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

Kabob sticks

Instructions: Slice veggies and arrange on kabobs so there is at least an inch of space at each end (this will leave room for you to hold the kabobs). Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 10-15 minutes, depending on desired crispness.

 Pink Lemon-Strawberry Fizz

Mix equal parts Minute Maid Light Pink Lemonade and Diet 7-Up. Add 2 strawberries, sliced, and desired amount of Bacardi Select Rum. Pour over ice and shake vigorously. Top with a squeezed lime wedge. Enjoy poolside.