It’s Memorial Day — a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

It’s also the big cookout day for most of us.  We will be tempted with potato salad, homemade ice cream, and a multitude of other goodies not on our healthy eating plan.

However, you don’t have to walk into temptation unprepared. Think ahead about what you can eat.  Grilled meat is great and is a zero on the glycemic index.  Take a fork with you and enjoy the hamburger.  Just skip that white bun.  Baked beans are fine, within reason.  Pass on the chips and potato salad, though.  If you are supposed to bring a food to a family event, make sure that food is something you can eat.  I’m making the deviled eggs from my recipe day two weeks ago.  I’m also trying a cherry-chocolate no-bake brownie that is on the low/moderate list. (Recipe coming up Friday — assuming that they turn out to be edible.)  A vegetable and/or fruit tray is always a welcome addition to picnic fare.

You really want that ice cream?  If you can eat one dip without setting you off on a binge, go ahead.  One dip is actually low/medium glycemic because of the protein and fat it contains.  It also has lots of sugar, though, and more than a small dip will send your body into insulin response mode.  Remember, when a flood of insulin hits your bloodstream, your body gets the message to store the fat.  Make sure your body gets the signals you want it to obey.

If you are eating more than usual, plan to burn those extra calories.  Don’t just sit and visit, but keep moving.  Play frisbee with the kids or take a walk.  Be the person who jumps up to serve others. Make sure you get extra calorie burn to go with the extra you eat — although remember, you have to walk a mile to burn 100 calories, so think twice about that 500 calorie slice of chocolate cake!

Healthy eating is not slavery, but freedom. You are in control — not your appetite.

And speaking of freedom, let’s not forget what we are celebrating this Memorial Day.  Here is my personal “thank you” to the men and women who are serving in the armed forces to keep us free, and my overwhelmed thanks to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom.

Eating to live and living for Christ,

Susan Jordan Brown