Summer Smart Swaps: Save Calories at Cookouts

Summer brings many dietary temptations, chief among them are cookouts. There seems to be no end to the waistline-expanding fare at your average get-together, but there's no reason you have to avoid the party. From picking a better burger to selecting smarter sweets, these tips will help you save calories at cookouts:

Instead of:
Hamburger patty (213 calories)
Choose:
Lean turkey burger (160 calories)
Save: 53 calories

Instead of:
Turkey burger (160 calories)
Choose:
Grilled veggie burger (70 calories)
Save: 90 calories

Instead of:
Swiss cheese, 1 slice (106 calories)
Choose:
Fat-free American cheese slice, 31 calories
Save: 75 calories

Instead of:
Potato chips (155 calories/ounce)
Choose:
Baby carrots (30 calories)
Save: 125 calories

Instead of:
Potato salad (179 calories/half cup)
Choose:
Vegetarian baked beans (120 calories/half cup)
Save: 59 calories

Instead of:
Lemonade (99 calories/cup)
Choose:
Unsweetened iced tea with lemon juice (0 calories)
Save: 99 calories

Instead of:
Strawberry pie (approximately 200 calories)
Choose:
A slice of angel food cake with sliced strawberries (approximately 145 calories)
Save: About 55 calories

To find out the caloric content of all your favorite summertime treats, check out About.com's Calorie Count.

Learn More:
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