Mardi Gras is a French name that translates to “Fat Tuesday,”referring to the  24-hour period to partake in eating rich, fatty foods and drinking before the ritual fasting of Lent Season begins. This doesn’t seem to give anyone hope if they are trying to stay healthy and lose weight during Mardi Gras.

People around the world begin the year with New Years Resolutions, well in the city of New Orleans…most people wait to make their “After Mardi Gras Resolutions” (aka Lent Resolutions). New Orleans you do not have to wait till after Mardi Gras to kick those resolutions into gear.

Ways to stay healthy during “Fat Tuesday” Celebrations.

Here’s what you do:

• Walk! One great thing about Mardi Gras is that it’s a mobile celebration. Walk the parade route, I’m sure you will enjoy all the celebrations and FREE Parties like Endymion’s Annual Samedi Gras Festival

• Keep the alcohol to a minimum.  You will save loads on empty calories (and hangover the next day)
• Prepare  food and snacks at home This will save your pocketbook and you can control the preparation and calories. Fixing turkey sandwiches with spicy mustard or switching to brown rice for your gumbo is a much healthier option then those Dominos $6 mini pizzas they sell on the parade route.
• Portion Control: No Mardi Gras is complete without  king cake. So rather than eating a hefty chunk of cake, cut that piece in half and eat a smaller piece.

Remember Mardi Gras can still be fun and healthy at the same time.  Moderation is key, and make sure you listen to your body.  Stop eating when you are full and walk it off! Keep those calories burning while enjoying the beautiful city of New Orleans and all it has to offer during Mardi Gras.

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Emily Eoff received her M.S., in Health and Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University, as well as, her B.S. in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. She also holds her personal training and group fitness instructor certificates from some of the leading certification programs in the country. As a motivator, role model, and leader, Emily brings nine years of experience in the health and fitness industry to her XLR8 Fitness business.