Summer is here and that means outdoors, boating and barbecue! Pounding fatty burgers and brats is a sure-fire way to pack on some pounds in preparation for a long cold winter - however, it's easy to eat healthy at a barbecue and still have a grea...
Summer is here and that means outdoors, boating and barbecue! Pounding fatty burgers and brats is a sure-fire way to pack on some pounds in preparation for a long cold winter - however, it's easy to eat healthy at a barbecue and still have a great time! Here are a few tips on how to eat healthy at your next barbecue.
Choose Chicken
Choose BBQ chicken over the burgers and brats. A boneless, skinless breast is your best bet for a healthy barbecue meal.
Many of the popular barbecue sauces contain high fructose corn syrup. Try for hot sauces or vinegar-based sauce. If you go with the barbecue sauce, try using less than 2 tbsp.
Go for the fresh lettuce and skip the maccaroni salad. Remember, 1tbsp of mayo has 100 calories and 10g fat. If it's white and has pasta, it's not for you!
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but try stay away from high calorie cocktails and heavy beer. Go for a light beer, or a cocktail with diet soda (like a Morgan Diet). Avoid fruity blended drinks at all costs as they not only contain the alcohol, but sugary mixer as well.
Don't just sit in a lawn chair and BS your buddies - you'll be more apt to snack and drink if you do that. Bring some horseshoes, a volleyball or a football and get some indirect exercise. It's not so much about working up a sweat, but staying away from the munchies!
Most barbecue foods will contain higher levels of sodium - you'll want to drink plenty of water because of this. Also, the water will prevent you from overeating and drinking too many cocktails.
If you're not entirely sure there will be healthy options, pack your own barbecue chicken, leafy greens and protein bars in a small cooler. The grill master will have no problems tossing your chicken breast on the grill.
