Is anyone else excited for summer? We’re certainly ready to kick off the season with a party! It can be hard to stay healthy with all of the delicious cookout favorites like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, and cherry pie tempting you at every turn.
Whether you’re hosting the barbecue or attending it, we have plenty of ideas for your beginning-of-summer cookout that will keep you (and everyone else) happy and healthy!
Don’t start the party on an empty stomach.
It may sound silly to have a snack before you go to a barbecue, but arriving ravenous will only cause you to overindulge and make poor choices. Make sure you’re not running on empty, and have a light snack beforehand.
Stay hydrated, but do it in a fun way.
Sometimes that urge to keep swinging by the food table is due to dehydration rather than actual hunger. Create some delicious summery drinks with fresh herbs that you can sip on all afternoon long!
Eat the good stuff, but don’t go overboard.
Moderation is the best way to enjoy your favorite seasonal foods while also keeping your health in check. Here are some great tips for moderating your food intake while still enjoying yourself.
Play!
It’s finally starting to warm up outside, so why not get a little exercise in rather than just sitting around? Play a game of catch or Frisbee. Have a three-legged race, or find a friend that has a volleyball net. Even just a walk around the park after dinner will keep your mind off snacking, and give you more energy!
Go for skewers rather than burgers.
If you’re going to make a dish to bring, try something filling that will skip the bun. Meat and vegetables on skewers are perfect for the grill, but also a great way to avoid the extra calories. Here are some great recipe ideas: True Orange Chipotle Tilapia Skewers, Shrimp on the Barbie, and True Lime Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers!
Make small substitutes.
Skip the bun and grab some extra lettuce to eat your burger or hot dog. Instead of reaching for chips, grab some crunchy carrots or celery for the dip. Opt for a refreshing True Lime Black Cherry Limeade with fizzy seltzer water instead of a beer. Little swaps like this make a big difference!
Keep your sweets a little lighter!
Instead of going for that piece of pie, reach for fruit instead! It will fill you up while at the same time satisfy that sweet craving. Try mixing 1 packet of True Lemon Original Lemonade with 1 large container of plain yogurt for a light and naturally-sweetened fruit dip!
Looking for some more great recipes for your Memorial Day cookout? We’ve got you covered!
Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!
[Credit: Homolka, Gina “30 Light Memorial Day Recipes.” Skinnytaste.]
[Credit: Orlov, Alex. “12 Secretly Healthy Memorial Day Recipes.” Daily Burn.]
reprinted from www.truelemon.com
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