4 Ways to Make Healthy Choices at Summer BBQ's!

I think it’s safe to say that summer has officially ARRIVED!  With the 4th of July happening last week, it was officially the kickoff of summer barbecue season!  So often, it’s easy to overeat and indulge at these barbecues.  Although I DO believe in eating and drinking your favorites occasionally at these gatherings, check out the ways you can stay in check with your health and fitness goals WHILE enjoying summer barbecues! 

1.   Choose a small plate when you eat

It may sound silly, but choosing a small plate at barbecues can help control your portion sizes.  It’s easy—there’s less room to pile up the pasta salads, fried chicken, burgers, and cookies on a smaller-sized plate.

2.   Watch your condiments

A single serving of ketchup contains 15 calories, while a single serving of barbecue sauce contains about 20 calories.  However, BOTH condiments contain a decent amount of sugar too.  While these numbers aren’t too alarming by themselves, it’s EASY for the serving sizes to quickly add up at barbecues.  

I’m going to be honest here—I LOVE ketchup, and I tend to use way too much of it!  That doesn’t need to be the case though.  If you’re looking for a way to spice up chicken or burgers without adding too much sugar or calories, try topping them with salsa! 

3.   Bring something healthy to the gathering!

If you’re worried about blowing all of the progress you’ve been making towards your goals, bring a healthy option to the gathering!  You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray or fruit skewers!  You’ll feel more comfortable and at ease KNOWING that there will be healthy options to eat with your loved ones.

4.   Choose your booze wisely

I know there’s nothing better than throwing back a few tropical drinks or beers with friends at a barbecue.  And I DON’T want you to stop doing that!  As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

If you’re going to drink at a barbecue, I recommend having a plan before you go!  For example, set a limit to the number of drinks you can enjoy each hour or two.  Or, plan on drinking 1-2 glasses of water in between each alcoholic beverage you enjoy. 

Again, I WANT you to eat, drink, and enjoy being with friends this summer.  With that being said, keep the above options in mind when you attend a BBQ this summer so you can stay on track with your health and fitness goals!