Memorial Day weekend is a great time to remember the sacrifices of America's soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the present and to recognize those who have served and continue to serve our great nation. Memorial Day weekend is also a great time to get together with friends and family to relax, do some barbequing and forget about life for a while. But the problem with forgetting about life for a while is that many of us fall off the healthy eating and exercise bandwagon. Here are some ideas on how to avoid a Memorial Day pig-out to ensure that you stay fit and healthy and don't come back to the real world feeling bloated and guilty. 

• Look online for Memorial Day fitness events such as walk-a-thons, 5K or 10K races or bicycling events. Many major cities have these types of events over Memorial Day weekend. Not only will you be getting exercise but you could be supporting a great cause too!

• Try skipping the red meat while barbequing this Memorial Day weekend. While Boca Burgers are great, there are other fantastic veggie burgers out there, bursting with flavor. Sunshine Burgers [1] are definitely worth checking out, as are the many different types of veggie burgers offered by Amy's Kitchen [2].

• Skip the cheese. Instead of cheese opt for some avocado or guacamole on top of your veggie burger. Say "no" to traditional coleslaw and potato salad, which are loaded with mayonnaise, and try one of my favorite recipes:

Broccoli Slaw

(Some stores like Trader Joe's already sell shredded broccoli. You could also use cabbage.)

1. Shred carrots, onion, broccoli or cabbage and mix together.

2. Add ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ apple cider vinegar, chopped garlic, dill and salt and pepper. Then toss together.

3. If you are feeling adventurous add some dried fruit such as raisins and or some nuts.

• Try cutting down on alcohol by having a glass of water in between drinks. Opt for lower calorie alcoholic beverages such as white wine spritzers. Alcohol is filled with empty calories; when something is filled with empty calories it means that it is high in calories but low in nutritional value. One can of beer is about 150 calories solely in the form of sugar.

• A little time on the water can help you burn off some of those extra calories you consumed. Take to the water for some kayaking and burn up to 340 calories an hour (based on a 150 lb person). Swimming is also a great form of aerobic exercise and can burn a lot of calories.

• Use your time off from work to center yourself and get in touch with the world around you. Go for an early morning walk, hike or run. Invite your friends and family to join and bring the dog too! Not feeling like walking or running, do some morning yoga [2] on the lawn.

• No need to skip strength training [2] while you are away for Memorial Day weekend. You can bring your strength training routine on the road with you by investing in some resistance bands. Resistance bands are cheap, portable and can be found at most major sporting goods stores.

• When you go to get ice cream, walk there and back instead of driving.

• Allow yourself a taste of everything — after a few bites it won't taste nearly as good as the first bite. Allowing yourself a taste of everything will help you avoiding feeling deprived.

• When you are finished eating, get up from the table so that you are not tempted to pick at the leftover food. Getting up will get you moving. Go play with the kids till fullness sets in (it takes about 20 minutes after we eat to feel full). Once 20 minutes has passed, come back and sit down to hang out and chat. Once you are full and moved away you wont feel as tempted to mindlessly munch on what's sitting around.