Healthy BBQ - An Oxymoron?

When we think of summer BBQ's, most think of hamburgers and hot dogs or ribs lathered in thick tasty sauces. Picnic tables filled with pasta and potato salads, baked beans, and all the other yummy things that make your mouth just water thinking about it.

How can you keep that great BBQ feeling and taste throughout the summer without expanding your waistband? Here's a couple tips for your summer fun.

The great thing about cooking outdoors and having BBQ's with friends and family is that you can plan it out, and keep things low calorie, healthy, as well as delicious for everyone. The main key is staying away from the heavy sauces, which add a boatload of calories and sugar. Most people don't think of sugar when they think of BBQ sauce, but it's a main ingredient, especially those that are ketchup based, as well as sugar packed Worcestershire sauce. You can find a great free BBQ sauce recipe by clicking here. Again, planning and preparing your own foods and sauces can be the difference of thousands of calories consumed over summer.

Another great way to eat healthy is kebabs! When you create your own kebabs, not only can you choose that goes on them, they are a great food tool when it comes to portion control! Fresh meats, veggies, fish, even tofu and fruits can be added to any kebab. Click here for a couple great kebab ideas for your outing.

There are great recipes and information out there for planning healthy summertime meals for you and your guests. For more great ideas, visit the Integrative Nutrition Blog and their 100 Recipes for a Healthy Summer. It's all in the planning! That way, if you allow yourself that "free day" to indulge, you won't have to have the helping of guilt to go along with it!

I hope you and yours have a happy, healthy summer, and take time this weekend to honor and remember those that have fought and died for our nation.

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