Super Simple Ideas for A Healthy Barbecue
Sticking to your healthy eating goals in both winter and summer can be a challenge! Life is full of vacations, family gatherings, cookouts, and special occasions. We have made it a little easier by putting together some of our top tips to eating delicious yet healthy food.
Whip Up Your Own Flavors
Lots of cookouts have food that is high in saturated fat Try going for leaner cuts such as turkey or chicken. It's easier to get delicious flavors, you just need to think about your marinades. Never buys these, they are super simple to make. Some family favorites include honey & garlic or soy, ginger, and cracked pepper. All can be made easily at home with just a few ingredients.
If you have marinated meat, try throwing it on the grill. It will add extra flavor, but ensure you're careful with the grill as it can burn the marinade before the meat is safely cooked, make sure you have correct timings and temperatures before you start
Bring A Healthy Dish to Share
This one is a no brainer and a top tip. If you bring a healthy dish that you enjoy, you'll know for sure that there will be at least one healthy option on the offer. Not only that you will be able to introduce your family and friends to some new yummy recipes, like this grilled cilantro lime chicken with avocado salsa.
Make Friends with Dessert.
Your cookout doesn’t have to be all hotdogs and burgers! Try brushing some plums, pineapples, and peaches with a little bit of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon. These little bites only need 4-8 minutes on the grill depending on the heat. You can serve them with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and a sprig of mint.
Ensure Your Meal is Satisfying & Balanced.
Try to stick to a smaller helping of heavy dishes. Fill your plate with whole grains, lean protein, salad and lots of veggies. Don't deprive yourself, if you want something, grab some. You will feel much more satisfied and will leave the meal without cravings!
Make Friends with Dessert.
Your cookout doesn’t have to be all hotdogs and burgers! Try brushing some plums, pineapples, and peaches with a little bit of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon.
These little bites only need 4-8 minutes on the grill depending on the heat. You can serve them with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and a sprig of mint.
Always Stay Hydrated
Ensuring you drink enough water is important. However, during the summer months, it is essential you stay on top of your hydration. Being out in the sun or drinking might mean you need to drink even more water. Make sure you take a reusable water bottle and remember to keep it topped up.
Rather Than Indulge in Everything, Pick One Thing!
A really useful strategy is to pick one indulged component. That might be dessert, apps or alcohol. If you want to treat yourself to a cocktail or wine relinquish dessert. However, if there is something that is really calling your name for dessert, skip the glass of wine.
Don’t Loiter Around the Food table.
Try not to continually graze, eat your main meal and enjoy it. If you hang out by the food table you might end up mindlessly munching away just because the food is there not because you are actually hungry
Focus on Your Friends & Family
Rather than the food being the main focus of the party try playing some fun games. Some fun lawn games include kickball, cornhole, badminton, volleyball or croquet. If you’re lucky to have a pool, throw on your swimwear and splash about with the kids like a pool party!
It is important to relax and enjoy all your summertime events! There is no need to get too wrapped up in following rules all the time! If you try to make good choices 70% of the time, you will have some wiggle so that you can indulge but still feel great!
