Why Indulging at the Memorial Day BBQ Can Help You Stick to Your Diet

Memorial Day Weekend s finally here! While we can't wait to eat, drink and play, the temptation can be kind of overwhelming. All those hot dogs! All that pasta salad! All that beer! How can you say no? We don't think you should. Here's why:

"If you sit in the corner at the Memorial Day barbecue and feel sorry for yourself because you can't enjoy anything, you'll get depressed and overcompensate with unhealthy foods when you get home, or even later in the week," says Tara Gidus, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant in Orlando, Fla.

But before you go hog wild devouring everything from chili cheese dogs to strawberry cupcakes, we have a few tips for indulging healthfully:

-    Eat before you party. Don't arrive at the party starving. Have a fiber-rich snack (think an apple with string cheese or carrots dipped in hummus) about an hour before the barbecue. It will fill you up without completely squashing your appetite, so you still have a little room left (but not too much) for the really tasty, fat-laden stuff. 

-    Take inventory before you dive in, instead of loading up your plate as you go. Take a lap and preview the goods. Spot your favorite chocolate cake? Maybe you want to forego the cookies. Is the potato salad calling your name? Ditch the Caesar. "Choose one thing from the party spread that looks the best and indulge," says Gidus. "A little healthy, controlled indulgence is definitely OK!"

-    Watch the condiments. Ketchup has about a teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon. Keep that in mind when slathering it on burgers and hot dogs, or when using other sugary condiments, like BBQ sauces. Better yet, load up your dogs with crispy onions and peppers for an antioxidant and flavor boost.

-    Park yourself away from the food. Enough said. 

-    Get your sweat on. "Definitely increase exercise and get a good sweat each day of the weekend so you can feel less guilty about indulging," says Gidus. 

-    Be careful with the booze. Avoid downing drinks before eating since alcohol stimulates appetite and lowers inhibitions. A buzzkill, yes, but you'll thank us later. So indulge in a virgin Mojito or sip on club soda with a little OJ.

Still jonesing for a "real" drink? Make sure you imbibe with food. That slows the entry of alcohol into the bloodstream and helps you recognize when you're full. If you're in it for the long haul and plan to have more than one, chase every cocktail with a glass of water ... and do your best to stop at two.