Cookouts can be a dieting minefield. Crudites may be on offer, but it's the burgers, chips and desserts we're all pining for this time of year! But whether you're hosting a cookout or heading to one a friend or family member is throwing, with a few changes, you can eat healthy at summer cookouts.
- Avoid the biggest fat traps by choosing a lean protein -- turkey burgers, skinless chicken, and shrimp or veggie kabobs, instead of higher-cal fare such as cheeseburgers.
- Making small changes to summer staples can seriously save calories. For instance, using low-fat mayo when you prepare coleslaw will cut the calories in half.
- If you purchase pre-made oil- or mayo-based salads, add lots of chopped vegetables -- you'll feel fuller and therefore eat less, sparing yourself calories and boosting the side's nutritional value.
- Baked chips and salsa are a guilt-free alternative to regular chips and creamy, high-cal dips such as ranch or French onion.
- Hummus and sliced veggies or a green salad are excellent alternatives to potato salad or macaroni salad.
- Mustard, guacamole and salsa are calorie-cutting condiments to use in lieu of mayo and sour cream.
- Offer fresh seasonal fruit in lieu of dessert. Fruit is much more refreshing than sweets and cuts hundreds of calories.
- Keep portions in check by using a portion control "rule of thumb" such as keeping a serving of meat down to the size of a deck of cards.
- Just say no to high-sugar sodas and make your own drinks by combining seltzer with fruit juice, fresh berries or mint to get that cold, refreshing feeling without all the calories.
