With good weather comes picnics, barbecues and cookouts with plenty of tempting-yet-unhealthy food options. While a cheeseburger with mayonnaise-laden potato salad may not be the healthiest of meals, it is possible to build a nutritious, low-fat meal at a cookout. With a few modified cooking methods and alternate ingredients, you can enjoy your meal in the sunshine guilt-free.
Main Dishes
In general, grilling is a healthy cooking option as you don't need to add any fat to your food during the cooking process. If burgers are on the menu, bring along a veggie burger patty with whole grains high up in the ingredient list, a marinated chicken breast or a couple of large portabello mushrooms to substitute for hamburger meat. Reach for a whole wheat bun, and top with fresh vegetables. Skewers of lean meats, fruits and vegetables or fish fillets are easy to grill for a healthy burger alternative.
Healthy Sides
Potato and pasta salads, coleslaw and potato chips all make regular appearances at summer barbecues, but none are very diet friendly. Bring along a fresh salad with low-fat and low-sugar dressing to share. Make potato salad German-style with vinegar instead of mayo, and instead of chips, get your snack fix from vegetable sticks or whole wheat pita bread dipped in hummus.
Desserts And Drinks
Sipping on sodas at a cookout is a sure way to consume lots of calories in a hurry. Reach for the water instead. You'll stay hydrated and cut the sugar from your meal. When dessert rolls around, satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit salad or watermelon slices. If you can't pass up the brownies or baked goods, have one small piece.
Seasonings And Condiments
Condiments and seasonings can add tons of salt, fat or calories to your meal, so be wary what you put on your plate. Top your burger or sandwich with mustard, sauerkraut or relish instead of sugary ketchup or barbecue sauce or fatty mayo. Marinate meats with low-fat salad dressing, wine or fruit juice, and baste with olive or canola oil. If the vegetable tray comes with a big bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing, skip it and dip in a low fat version instead.
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