Episode 191: Summer Eating Without Food Guilt: Tips for Grilling, Getaways, and Balanced Wellness

Summer is a time for sunshine, travel, and delicious food, but for many, it also brings a wave of guilt, restriction, or “starting over Monday” thinking. In this episode of the Real World Nutrition podcast, Shelley is breaking down how to enjoy everything summer has to offer without falling into common mindset traps.

Shelley addresses how “vacation mode” can lead to the all-or-nothing cycle and how to break free from it while still enjoying yourself. She shares practical strategies for navigating potlucks, BBQs, road trips, and buffets, so you can make food choices that feel good during and after the event.

You’ll also hear how to pack balanced snacks and meals for travel, how to think about alcohol in the heat, and what “balanced eating” actually looks like on vacation. Additionally, get some tips on seasonal movement, as activities like walking on the beach or playing outside with your family also count.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder: Summer isn’t a test, it’s part of life. Let’s ditch perfection and focus on nourishment, flexibility, and fun.

Blogs and Podcast Episodes Mentioned in this Episode:

Read More: Stop Judging Food Choices: Why It’s Time to Ditch the Food Shame 5/10/2025 

Listen: Real World Nutrition Episode 188 Food Freedom: What "Eat What You Want Day" Really Means Ep 188 5/9/2025 

Read More: Navigating Cookouts: Building a Balanced Plate at BBQs 5/22/2025 

Read More: Traveling Light: Health Snacks and Eating Habits on the Go 11/21/2023 

Read More: Thriving on the Go: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Healthy While Traveling 12/7/2023 

Read More: Get Summer-Ready: Nutrition Tips for Outdoor Adventures 5/1/2025 

Read More: Mindful Drinking: Enjoying Alcohol Without the All-or-Nothing Mentality  4/10/2025 

Listen: Real World Nutrition Episode 189 Sipping Smarter: Mindful Drinking for Summer Parties 5/16/2025 

Listen: Real World Nutrition Episode 182 Mindful Eating in a Fast-Paced World 3/28/2025 

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