Happy Healthful Birthday
You know, it’s been pretty hot here lately. Triple digit temps and high humidity make it quite an effort to do chores outside. The drought we’ve had hasn’t added anything good to the mix. The hot and humid weather did have a lot to do with a great event we attended recently. We were invited to celebrate Bryan Hecksher’s birthday this past Sunday.
“Dress accordingly,” I said to my husband. “It’s supposed to be hot and sticky.” Indeed.
We met Jason and Bryan in their back yard. They were quite aware of the heat, and both took great precautions. Their back deck was shaded with a giant umbrella which had been decorated quite nicely.
We guess 30-40 showed up to celebrate. Tubs of ice were outside, where cold drinks and lots of water were available to the guests. We were encouraged to drink lots of water. A great many of the guests were on diets—from Adkins to Weight Watchers. Jason kept the house cool so those who needed a break could get a reprieve from the outside heat.
There was no beer or hard alcohol, it actually makes you feel hotter than you really are. That was a good way to look out for the guests, and nobody would need a ride home. Not drinking wasn’t a big deal for anyone invited.
I have to give Jason and Bryan credit for the menu. They are both watching their weight—especially Bryan, he looks amazing with his weight loss. This had to be the healthiest cookout I’ve ever attended. There was grilled chicken and burgers plus healthful salads—my favorite being the fresh basil, fresh tomato, and mozzarella salad. They had a great variety of fresh fruits and veggies of the season. No junk. The grilled chicken was healthful perfection. It was the talk of the cookout. My client Joe and his friend Thad are both doing the Weight Watchers points diet and this menu was everything they could enjoy while saving extra points for another day.
Some of the invited guests brought along a dish or two—cubed watermelon, fresh blueberries, and baked beans without sugar—great side dishes.
The temps were affecting some of us pretty severely. I sweat a lot. So, I was told to cool off inside while drinking some water. These guys were really looking out for us.
Bryan jokingly said, “Well, you can write your Letters from CAMP Rehoboth article about how healthy we all ate today. Why, even the cake was great—just enough of a slice to satisfy the craving for something sweet while still respecting those people on diets. Nice.
So you see, you can have your friends gather to celebrate an event and have a great time by serving them healthful food and drink. You don’t have to serve alcohol, heavy fatty foods, and empty calorie dishes. This cookout was well thought out.
Thanks, guys, for looking out for us. The food was healthy, tasty, and amazing. The best cookout I’ve been to in years. Happy Birthday Bryan!
Just a few issues ago, I did my reminder to pet owners about the dangers of bringing pets to the beach in the heat. Don’t do it. Obviously, there are still people out there who don’t get it. This past weekend—with the temps in the 100 degree range, there were people with their pets at the beach.
Do we really have to get the park police involved when it becomes unbearable at the beach for our pets?
So please think, and do the right thing. Leave your pets home in a cool place. They will appreciate it.
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates.