Happy Labor Day! Many of you will be heading out to friend’s houses for a cookout to end the summer and welcome the fall. If you’re worried about how your waistline will fare after the party, follow these simple tips to stay healthy at your holiday cookout.

First, make sure you start your day with a healthy breakfast. A high-protein omelette filled with veggies will keep you satiated until your next meal so you don’t arrive to the party ravenous.

Before heading out, have a small snack. Some studies suggest that eating an apple before a meal will help prevent people from overeating at their meal. It makes sense to have a light, fiber-filled snack to keep your hunger in check before you are faced with a buffet of chips, dips, and other treats.

Drink water all day. If you are hydrated, you won’t mistake thirst for hunger.

When you arrive, look for the veggie tray first. Before you fill your plate with potato salad and a loaded hot dog, make sure you meet your nutritional needs with a serving of vegetables. Once again, this will prevent you from overindulging.

Finally, bring your own dish so you know that there is at least one healthy option. If every side dish is a calorie bomb that you aren’t even really interested in, you can take comfort knowing that your low-fat, high protein turkey meatballs, or whatever you decide to bring, will be there to nosh. Bonus: The host will appreciate your contribution, good friend!

Going to a party while trying to be healthy can feel challenging, but as long as you keep yourself in check, it’s okay to have a burger at a Labor Day cookout. Make allowances for the occasional things that you really want, but work hard to earn those treats. You can enjoy celebrations and seasonal foods some days, as long as you practice moderation and honor your commitment to health most days.

Once the holiday is over, simply jump back on your healthy eating wagon. Holidays can be tricky, but if you’re mindful, you can enjoy them without letting your healthy plans unravel. If you do feel as if you’ve overindulged, remember that Louben Repke and his staff of trainers at Repke Fitness are always ready with some extra calorie burning routines to help kickstart your renewed commitment to your body.