"Lighten Up" Your Summer BBQs
One of the best and worst things about summertime eating is a backyard barbecue. Worst thing? What could be bad about casual, outside eating in nice weather with family and friends? I hear from people all the time that while the whole idea of a BBQ is fun, they really dread the eating part, because they are overwhelmed with all of the choices and abundance of the, literally, hours of eating.
Whether it's burgers, roasted corn slathered in butter, potato salad or super-rich brownies, we all need an eating plan at a barbecue to enjoy, but still maintain control
I've got 10 simple strategies that are reality based (Just stick with fruit for dessert? WAY too hard for mostly everyone, including me!), letting your taste buds dance, but also keeping an eye on your waistline!
While we all know the basics - skip the foot long hot dog! - here are some of my (and my patients') favorites for backyard barbecues. What are some of your favorite ways to trim calories at a BBQ? I'd love to know!
- Check out the food before filling your plate; pick and choose to be a "taster." (The first bite is always the best!)
- Avoid grazing. Structure your eating for one complete meal: Appetizer, main dish, dessert. You can keep your mouth busy with non-calorie beverages when you've completed your meal.
- Choose alcohol carefully, if at all. Stick with light beer and avoid juice-based drinks and wine coolers. Try a white wine "spritzer" - wine with some club soda.
- Barter foods to stretch your calories. Choose your favorites, and don't eat others. You are not obligated to try every dish on the buffet.
- Watch out for condiments. Mustard, salsa, and ketchup are basics. Limit mayonnaise and guacamole.
- Jump into the backyard games, even if you're not a badminton expert. Anything beats sitting.
- Stick with non-calorie beverages to fill you up, and offset the calories of alcoholic drinks.
- Pick one dessert and share with someone, or just start with a small piece. Add some fresh fruit, instead of going "a la mode."
- Bring a dish YOU can eat as a free food. Think raw veggies; fruit platter; grilled portobello mushrooms, green salad with light dressing.
- Don't announce you're watching your calories. That's one of the fastest ways to get people to offer you food!
With a little pre-planning, you CAN enjoy your holiday BBQs with good taste, and no guilt.
Cookouts are one of my favorite parts of summer eating, and I hope they will be for you too!
