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How to Stay on Track During BBQ Season (Without Missing the Margaritas)
- Nicolette Leigh
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
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Ahhh, BBQ season — when weekends are packed with smoky grills, back-to-back sports tournaments, and those glorious Sunday Fundays that somehow turn into “how is it 9 PM already?” nights.
It’s the season of cold drinks, late sunsets, and let’s be honest…temptation around every corner. (Hi, coleslaw. Hello again, mojitos.) But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between your health goals and having fun. You can stay on track and sip that margarita guilt-free.
Here’s how I do it — and how you can too:
How to Stay on Track
1. Plan Ahead — But Keep It Flexible
Summer in the Northeast is short, so I take advantage of every warm evening and sunshine-filled weekend. That means shifting my workout schedule to beat the heat and make space for BBQs, baseball games, and spontaneous hangouts.
I sit down once a week to map out my workouts and meals, knowing that life (and last-minute invites) happen. If I can stick to 80% of the plan? That’s a win.
👉 Pro tip: Use a fitness planner or app to keep your week organized. Check out my favorite planner here. - Clever Fox Fitness & Food Journal
2. Lighten Up the Libations
You don’t have to skip the cocktails — just remix them! I use sugar-free margarita or mojito mixers to keep things light without sacrificing flavor. It still feels indulgent, but without the sugar crash or calorie overload.
And if you do go for the full-sugar drink? Enjoy the heck out of it. One margarita isn’t derailing your progress — perfection isn’t the goal, consistency is.
👉 My Favorite Sugar Free-Calorie Free Sweetener for Homemade Simple Syrup. I use this in Mojitos and Margaritas EVERYTIME!
3. Bring Something You Love (That Loves You Back)
When I’m heading to a BBQ or sports tournament, I always prep a dish that I know fits my goals — like coleslaw with a Greek yogurt twist or a lighter mac salad. It guarantees I’ve got something tasty on my plate and makes me feel good about what I’m bringing to share.
Bonus: it cuts down on decision fatigue when I’m hangry and everything smells amazing.
👉 Want my go-to Summer side recipes? Here’s my Pinterest board.
4. Pack Like a Pro
Being prepared is half the battle. I keep a few essentials on-hand to make healthy choices easier, whether I’m poolside, field-side, or flipping burgers at home:
Reusable travel cups (for your “hydration,” wink wink)
Portion-friendly prep containers
A small cooler for snacks or protein-packed sides
Fitness tracker to keep your movement goal in check (even when you’re chasing kids instead of reps)
👉 My must-haves live in this Amazon list. Check it out here.
5. Focus on the Week, Not the Day
Summer isn’t about all-or-nothing. One high-calorie day doesn’t erase your hard work — just like one salad doesn’t make you a fitness guru. 😉
What does matter? Stringing together solid weeks. When things feel overwhelming, I zoom out and ask: “How can I make this week work for me?”
Some weeks will be chaotic. Others are more controlled. But every week is a chance to reset, refocus, and move forward — margarita in hand. This is how to stay on track.
☀️ Savor the Summer, Stick to Your Strength
You can chase your goals and still live your best BBQ life. Staying consistent doesn’t mean saying no to fun — it means saying yes to yourself and your lifestyle. And when you find that balance, that’s when the magic happens. 💪🌮🍹
Need help building a summer routine that actually works? Download my free Fitness Tracker Pack to get started click here
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