As a true Midwestern girl at heart and a health and wellness coach, I’m often asked about how to have a healthy summer BBQ. Whether you’re hosting the cookout or attending one as a guest, there are many ways to stay on track with your health goals without missing out on your favorite foods!
Here are tips on how to enjoy every bite at a BBQ while feeling your best before and after.
BUILD A BALANCED BBQ PLATE
Build your meal around a protein source. Start your plate with chicken, burger, steak, or even a bratwurst, and forgo the bun to lighten it up.
Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables and salad. Offer to bring a fresh salad to share – it is a thoughtful contribution and guarantees there will be a healthy option.
Treat yourself to one favorite side dish. Whether it’s potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a buttery piece of cornbread, help yourself to a small serving and savor each bite.
Select a small portion of dessert. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, choose a small portion of one dessert, or better yet, opt for fruit. If you’re hosting, try grilling pineapple slices, peach halves, watermelon, or fruit kabobs to bring out the flavors.
NEVER ARRIVE HUNGRY
Showing up to a BBQ on an empty stomach is a recipe for overeating. Have a healthy snack with protein before you head out to avoid filling up on appetizers or overflowing your plate. Some easy protein snacks:
- 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and an apple
- String cheese and whole-grain crackers
- Hummus and vegetables
- Yogurt and berries
- Here are more smart snack ideas.
STAY HYDRATED AND WATCH YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE
Summer heat mixed with alcohol can sneak up on you fast.
TIP: For every alcoholic drink, follow it with a glass of water.
Hosting? Offer fruit-infused water – they’re refreshing, a great non-alcoholic alternative, and look pretty in a pitcher or drink dispenser. Here are some of my favorite recipes:
- Strawberry, basil, and orange-infused water
- Berry, kiwi, and mint-infused water
- Pineapple, coconut, and lime-infused water
- Citrus and peppermint-infused water
MOTIVATE MOVEMENT
Organize some fun crowd-pleasing games like cornhole, ring toss, bocce ball, horseshoes, swimming (if you have a pool), or suggest a group walk after dinner. Many of these games are available in portable cases, so even if you aren’t hosting, you can bring them over to share.
Movement not only burns off a few calories, but it also aids in digestion and boosts mood and energy.
CHEERS TO SUMMER FUN AND FEELING GOOD
These tips are not supposed to make you feel restricted, but rather to help you enjoy your next get-together with a sense of balance and ease. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can enjoy every bite – guilt-free.