Holiday Barbeques and You

Grill-outs, picnics, barbeques, and more – your summer social calendar is probably nearing capacity as we speak. Even though temptation will abound, here are a few quick tricks you can use to enjoy all of the friends, family, and good weather without any of the guilt.

• Bring your own healthy dish to the event. Vegetables and a low-fat dip or fruit are simple, nutritious options, but you could also spring for a low-fat entrée like grilled salmon with seasonings or a gourmet salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, and nuts.
• If you can’t bear to skip the desserts, sample just one or two or split a small item with a friend. When you don’t set limits in advance, it’s harder to prevent yourself from grabbing that extra cookie or trying a few bites out of several desserts.
• Kebabs are the answer. You can try chicken, shrimp, or swordfish skewers as a delicious and nutritious alternative to the alarming fat content of red meat. Skip the cheeseburger and grab a skewer.
• If you’re juicing for that patty taste, try a veggie or turkey burger. They’re lower in calories and grams of fat. Increase your health impact by dressing the sandwich in half of a whole grain bun, lettuce, or wheat bread and skipping fatty mayo or cheese.
• Try a fruit dish with a small amount of whipped topping for dessert – it’s a cool, refreshing treat that won’t break your calorie bank.