Quick Tips to Eating Healthy at a Cookout

We love the spring and summer months. Not only because there are more hours of light and sun, but barbecue or cookout parties are also back! Nothing better than enjoying food, outside, with family and friends.

Eating healthy at a cookout, however, can be a huge challenge. Some may wonder if that is even possible? What is there to feast on if you want to stick to healthy meals during a barbecue or cookout? Face it — cookouts usually mean the red meat variety: steak, hot dogs, burgers, you name it.

But eating healthy at a cookout doesn’t necessarily mean munching on salads only. Here are some barbecue menu ideas — as well as tips and tricks on how to go healthy during a cookout — that will help you enjoy yourself and feel full, without compromising your goal to eat and stay healthy!

Eating Healthy at a Cookout – It Is Possible!

1.      Vegetable kebabs

Popular choices for veggies that can be grilled include zucchini, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, asparagus, mushrooms, and even broccoli and cauliflower.

In between your vegetables, if you are not vegan or vegetarian, you can have lean meat, such as chicken breast with the skin removed. You can also have organic grass fed beef, but ensure that it is extra lean.

If you’re hosting the cookout, make sure to set aside some veggie kebabs for your vegan guests. They’ll appreciate your thoughtful gesture since some vegans find it hard to “fit in” during a barbecue or cookout, given that they usually just stick to the usual salad and corn on the cob.

2.      Seafood

Grilling seafood is an excellent way to satisfy the protein needs of the more health conscious (non-vegan/vegetarian) people. They are low in calories, delicious when grilled, and packed with health-promoting vitamins and minerals. For shrimp and fish, marinate them overnight to make them tastier and more delicious once you roast ‘em.

3.      Healthy toppings

Skip the traditional mayonnaise with heaps of cheese and swap it with non-fat Greek yogurt or mashed avocado with fresh herbs and spices. You can also use homemade barbecue sauce instead and put some slices of tomato, cubed cucumber, fresh chopped parsley/cilantro, and chopped (spring) onions on the table to add flavor.

If the cookout you’ll be attending is a potluck one, then bring your own healthy concoction! You’ll find plenty of recipes online for these. And here’s another quick tip: Instead of the usual butter and salt combo for your grilled corn, use lime juice and black pepper.

4.      Healthy burgers

You can opt for leaner cuts, skinless turkey, or chicken breasts and (homemade) veggie burgers. And if you really want to go all the way healthy, pair those patties with whole-wheat or gluten-free burger buns and ditch the white bread! Or no bun at all. Just lots of salad and other yummy greens.

ALSO READ: No Bread Sandwich Ideas You Can Do At Home 

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