With so many tasty treats at cookouts, it can be oh-so tempting to fill up your plate with everything in sight! Just keep in mind that some of these foods are not so great (sigh). We’ve got the lowdown on some wholesome (and delish!) alternatives to your BBQ faves.
Nosh: Grilled chicken
Not: Fried chicken
Grilled chicken is a much better choice than its fat-drenched counterpart: fried chicken. It’s is super easy to make on the grill, and tastes just as good. Fried chicken the only bird in sight? Forgo mega cals by at least skipping the skin. Need more flavor? Try some tasty dipping sauces to add extra oomph (try barbeque or honey mustard!).
Nosh: Grilled veggie kabobs
Not: Potato/macaroni salad
Potato and macaroni salads are generally slathered in tons of mayo that turns these otherwise harmless foods into unhealthy side dishes. Instead, try chopping up yummy veggies into bit size slices and stack them on kabobs that can be quickly grilled. Another option is to make the potato or macaroni salad yourself, but use oil and vinegar instead of fatty mayo.
Nosh: Roasted red potatoes
Not: Baked beans with bacon
Beans are definitely healthy right?? Not when you drench them in tons of sauce and add bacon bits. Instead of indulging in this treat that actually has lots of hidden cals and fat, opt for some roasted red potatoes. Slice baby red potatoes in half, add some yummy herbs and a drizzle of olive oil and bake to perfection!
Nosh: Fruit salad and sherbet
Not: Pound cake with whipped cream
How can we resist lathering our slices of cake with a colossal amount of whipped cream? Skip this dessert entirely and go for some tasty sherbet topped off with some sliced fresh fruit. It’s soo much healthier and it will help keep ya cool, too!
BY KATIE BAKER ON 5/28/2011 11:00:00 AM
POSTED IN eating, healthy eating 101, how to cut out junk food, memorial day