While I might not really be doing the whole barbecue thing today, I know most people are. However, I did lay out at the pool with my family today! I see memorial day weekend as the kickoff for the summer season, and is probably the first major bbq of the season. After this, we have LOTS of nice weather to enjoy--which usually means more grilling and festivities!
Now, Barbecues do NOT by any means need to get in the way of a clean lifestyle! Just because there are potato chips, pretzels, white flour hotdog and hamburger buns, soda, beer, lemonades, etc.. does NOT give you an excuse to eat them! If you're a good guest, chances are...you're bringing something TO the barbecue. Now...you could bring lays, tostitos, and other not-so good choices. OR, you could chop up some celery, buy baby carrots, grape tomatos, snap peas, and assemble a nice crudite, with guac or some fat free/low cal dip.
If you're afraid there won't be much of any healthy items for you to eat, make sure you EAT beforehand. Have a small meal before you go, so that you will NOT be tempted to start snacking on refined carbs and junky desserts.
OR, are you a vegan? Vegetarian? Or just don't like chicken/burgers/dogs? Bring your own homemade veggie burgers, I'm sure the host will have NO issue throwing a few on the grill. Some people might even be interested to try it out! There are tons of recipes for quinoa/blackbean burgers. 99% lean ground turkey is also a good option if you DO eat turkey.
Love the grill. Grilling is an awesome way to cook fresh beef , chicken, fish, even vegetables and fruits!
Now, whenever I go somewhere, I essentially bring my whole meal. I just make enough so that others can eat it too , although they usually have no interest in my superior healthy food.
Some notes for people HOSTING the cookout:
Be considerate of the guests you're having. Don't put dressings on your salads , leave them on the side, so people can choose how much dressing (if any) they want.
Don't use heavy marinades filled with sodium for the meat before you cook it, your guests might not appreciate the added calories and salt.
Make sure to have as many vegetables on the appetizer table as other snacks like chips, popcorn, etc.
If you don't feel like making salad or going out of your way to cater to your guests with dietary preferences, ASK them to bring what they like! People enjoy to have the freedom to show up with a vegan dish for them to eat.
Make sure to have diet sodas, seltzers, and lots of ice cold water.
It is a nice touch to have some iced coffee brewed. Decaf is probably better, since nobody needs caffeine with the energy of a cookout. Have some almond or coconut milk for your non-dairy drinking guests.
And that's my advice on summer cookouts! Hit the grill bitches!
No comments:
Post a Comment