(7/2017) Summer is back and with the season comes picnics, parties, food and drink. The ABCs of summer, A-alcohol, B-binging and C-Calories can add up to a grade of F if we are not mindful about our eating. Attending backyard cookouts are an important part of the summer activities and we look forward to them all winter long. The warm weather gets you in the mood to have friends and family over to share laughs, cold drinks and our favorite foods.

Eating a little too much can sometimes happen because there are many different types of food that we want to try. Even taking just a spoonful of each can add up to a lot of extra calories that we are not aware of. I know we are told to look over all the food first and decide what we really want to try but sometimes there are so many tempting items that you just can't resist trying them all. Over indulging once in a while is OK but if we give in too many times the pounds will add up quickly. Don't beat yourself up, just get right back to your sensible eating plan the next day and you will be fine.

Drink plenty of water and walk a little farther for a few days and you will be back on track for a healthy, happy summer. Maybe you can even talk some of the people at the picnic to go for a walk as part of the party and even though they may resist at the time, they will be happy they took you up on your idea if they really think about it.

Playing baseball or whatever outdoor game you enjoy is a great way to add activities to your outdoor gathering. A little friendly competition is fun and will help work off some of that potato salad and cheesecake.

The most important thing about any gathering is sharing time with family and friends. This is a time to share ideas that you have learned that may help someone who is thinking about adding exercise to their daily routine. Sometimes people don't know how to get started or don't feel comfortable asking for help. A friendly conversation may just be the opening they were looking for to talk about questions they may have without being too obvious. You my make a simple statement about your exercise or food plan that may be just what someone else was wondering about and that may get them started.

I have found that making a few copies of the recipe of the food you brought to the party is a good because usually someone asks who made a certain dish and could you send them the recipe. This way you already have a copy for them to take with them and you won't forget to send it to them.

Look forward to gatherings and sharing fun, food, ideas and time with the people you love to be with and at the same time share some of the healthy food and exercise information with them. Passing along ideas and information in a friendly conversation is usually accepted better than preaching to someone that they need to loose weight or start exercising. They may even take in the info and not realize it at the time. Thinking about it over time they may think they came up with it themselves and that may make exercise more important to them.

Any way to keep moving is important. I found that after sitting for seven weeks I had to come up with ways to move and get a little cardio without walking or running. You can do it but your brain also gets some exercise because you have to read suggestions and think of ways to include it in your situation. I am slowly walking again and can't wait until I can get back on the treadmill or go for a wonderful walk outside.

Remember to keep moving! It is one of the most important things we do.