Tips for a Healthier BBQ

With summer, comes barbecues. Yes you can still have fun and eat great cookout food without having a "diet" disaster!

Bring a healthy dish
Don't count on there to be enough healthful food, bring some healthy food to share! This way you know there is something you can turn to and also to provide nutritious food for others! Some healthier options are: fruit salad, turkey or veggie burgers/ hot dogs, chicken to grill, coleslaw or broccoli slaw with little mayo/vegenaise or lemon juice, vegetarian baked beans(these ones are made without lard), or guacamole and salsa.

Don't eat standing up
Make a rule for yourself to only eat when sitting down. This way, not only will you be more mindful of what you are eating, but you will eat less. This will eliminate mindless snacking standing near or walking by the food table.

Browse the food table before digging in
Look over the food offered before filling up your plate will help you to pick and choose what you will have first....remember: "failing to plan is planing to fail." Try to make your plate as colorful as possible(from natural colors). 

Skip the chips
Instead pack your plate with a refreshing fruit salad and some crunchy veggies, you won't even miss the calorie laden chips.

Sit away from the food table
This simple rule will make it less likely you will "need" to go back for seconds or thirds.

Play
After enjoying your meal, have fun and get some activity in....play some volleyball, kickball, horseshoes, etc... or take a short walk with a friend or relative. You will have fun and your body will thank you.

Water
Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially as the weather gets warmer. Staying hydrated will not only help to avoid heat sickness, but will also keep you feeling full longer.