Healthy Ideas for Your Summer Cookout (Part II)

This is a continutation from yesterday’s post

  • Get creative. Hamburgers and hotdogs aren’t the only meats that are great for grilling.
    • Try grilled chicken or grilled tuna steaks.
    • Turkey burgers or veggie burgers can make a low-fat alternative to the standard hamburger.
    • When making burgers, mix in some spinach to make the meat stretch a little farther and add nutrients.
    • Shish-ka-bobs can be a great way to get some veggies with your meat. Try using chicken or shrimp with mushrooms, peppers, onions and tomatoes. Brush them with low-fat Italian dressing.
  • Choose Condiments Carefully.
    • Using mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise on your burger can save calories and fat.
    • Try a few squirts of spray butter on corn-on-the-cob.
    • Choose reduced-fat salad dressings instead of full fat versions.
    • Use cocktail sauce for seafood instead of dipping it in butter.
  • Beware of the Calories in Beverages.  People tend to drink more when it gets hot outside, but it is important to pay attention to the types of beverages you are choosing.
    • A 12-oz Soda has up to 12 tsp. of sugar and around 150 calories.
    • Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories.  They also stimulate your appetite and lower inhibitions which can lead to overeating.
      • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.  A glass of wine is the best choice followed by light beer.   Try to skip the mixed drinks because can have the most calories.
    • Water is the best choice.  Try adding some lemon or orange slices for flavor.
    • Sugar-free or diet beverages can be a way to add some flavor without the calories.  Try unsweetened iced-tea w/ a sugar substitute.
  • Have Fun!  Focus on Friends and Family instead of Food.
    • Remember you are there for the social aspects not the food.  Take the emphasis off of the food and enjoy the nice weather and the people that surround you.