Snack Packer Extraordinaire: Your Memorial Day Survival Guide
I love these little jars as my pretty go to for out in the public picnics or family get togethers.
Always have in my purse or backpack for a crunchy – salty snack.
I once pulled a protein shake, cheese stick, sugar-free Jello, and a mini spoon from my purse at a Memorial Day party like a pouch-prepared magician.
Someone actually said, “Are you okay?”
Yes, Brenda. I’m thriving.
If you’ve ever felt stressed about staying on track during holiday gatherings, you’re not alone. But this year, you’re going in prepared. No hanger. No guilt. No regrets.
Here’s your bariatric-friendly, mindset-first guide to navigating Memorial Day like the empowered queen you are.
1. Prep Like a Pro Make a list and pack your essentials ahead of time. Think: your favorite protein snack, hydration must-haves, and anything pouch-friendly that helps you feel your best. Toss in a cute cooler bag and own your prep like the boss you are.
Ideas to Pack:
Pre-made protein shakes or powder packs and put in your favorite water bottle or travel cup.
Fancy cheese sticks or perfect turkey roll-ups in a cute storage container
Mason jar goodness (strawberry shortcakes or chia seed pudding)
Low-carb tortilla chips + guac or salsa (break out that cute container again)!
Mini utensil kit (yes, I said mini spoon and fork). Amazon have these in all sorts of colors and designs that I just love.
2. Pick What You Love (Mindfully) You don’t have to eat everything just because it’s there. Choose what you genuinely enjoy and what will make your body feel good. Look for those high protein meats or those deviled eggs that look so good. Next, everyone has some kind of veggies and dip combo out on display. You get to have boundaries and pleasure at the same time. Aunt Barb will no longer force her mac and cheese blocks!
Quick Tip: Do a plate scan first. Then pick 2-3 items you love that fuel you—and let the rest be background noise.
3. Ditch the Guilt You are not “off track” for enjoying a holiday. Guilt is not an ingredient you need on your plate. There is no such thing as a “BAD” food. You can have anything in moderation as long as it works with your body. Example, I love cakes and candy. Sugar bombs are my very favorite. Once I had my gastric sleeve done, there is no longer room for sugar in “Lola – my sleeve sidekick”. I end up with a racing heart rate followed by a visit to the restroom, where you can find me for the next hour (TMI warning label).
You’re allowed to eat, celebrate, and enjoy the moment without a running commentary in your head. Give yourself permission to be present. Be your own support inner voice and nothing but positive thoughts to knock out that little mean girl voice that we all have in some form. The more you practice this, the littler this voice becomes until it is no longer there.
4. Move for Joy, Not Punishment. This isn’t about “burning off” your meal. It’s about celebrating your ability to move in a way that feels good.
Go for a walk, play with the kids, dance in the backyard. Whatever brings a smile—that’s the movement you want.
5. Mindset Magic Take a breath and ask yourself:
“How do I want to feel tomorrow?”
Then let that answer guide you. Even when you’re visiting the kitchen for a snack and the cupcakes you’ve made for family and/or friends are eyeing you down. No thank you sugar bomb that I love and adore. This is a practice I’ve used so many times.
Make one good choice, then another. You don’t need to be perfect—just present and intentional.
Ask yourself while on your way or while you are getting ready for the festivities.
How can I show up for myself at this gathering—with grace, joy, and zero guilt?
Laurie V.
Here are three takeaways:
You are not the odd one out.
You are not overdoing it by enjoying whatever you choose to put on your plate. You are being mindful by your choices and if that cookie looks like a great choice, it is!
You are not “too much” for planning ahead and making yourself a snack survival bag. You are showing up for yourself and taking stress off your “plate”!
