Summer is the time where we all like to get together. Kids are out of school and parents want to play together just as much as their children do. So we have picnics, we have play dates, we have swimming parties and beach parties. But here lies the question…what do we usually eat when we attend these parties?

Most people like to bring foods that are already prepared or prepackaged. We like to simply “pick up and go” from the grocery store on the way to the party. We tend to bring potato chips, cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, cookies, cakes, and top it all off with a few cases of beer and soda.

For a family trying to eat healthy, or watch their weight, these little gatherings can sabotage all efforts previously made as you’ll truly find yourself eating junk all day long. In trying to save your waistline and keep your family eating healthy, here are a few simply things you can do to stay healthy before an event:

1. Bring healthy foods your family enjoys. This will guarantee you have at least one healthy option to choose from.

2. If your children love fruit, bring it! Also, have the kids help you in making the fruit salad. They will love to tell everyone they helped make it and they will also want to eat it as they had a hand in preparing it. Keep in mind this could also be used as a dessert.

3. Burger salad. Burgers are a common party food, so if you find yourself at a cookout with a burger, make sure you skip the bun then attack the veggie tray. Build yourself a burger salad if you like. You may use a little veggie dip for the dressing, or a balsamic if they have it.

4. Bring veggies and hummus. It’s a great snack and it has a little protein so it will fill you up. You may also use it as a simple side dish to your meal.

5. Set the parameters before you walk into the party. Discuss ways you can all eat healthier in the car on the way to the event.

6. Reward your children for eating well. Tell them if they eat well during the entire event, you’ll take them to the movies, or to the park on the way home. Try not to reward them with sweets.

7. If having a glass of wine, or drinking beer, reduce the amount you consume by drinking a bottle of water in between each drink. Not only will this keep you hydrated, and reduce the amount of alcohol you consume, but it will also cut your calories in half.

8. Make sure you bring plenty of water, or make sure they have water at the party. You also want to make sure your children know that drinks are included in the unhealthy category.

9. If you find it difficult to resist your favorites, chew a piece of mint gum. The strong taste will deter you from eating most foods and you’ll simply find yourself drinking more water.

10. Drink plenty of fluids. We commonly mistake thirst for hunger, so before you attack the food table, attack the cooler and drink a bottle of water.