Healthy Suggestions for Backyard BBQ

With the 4th of July weekend right around the corner, you are probably starting to plan your menus for that backyard BBQ. Here are a few quick suggestions:

Munchies: Pistachios make a great appetizer because they are a heart healthy nut and you can eat 30 of them for 100 calories. Serve them in the shell so it will slow you down and you won't eat as many. The fiber and protein in the nuts will help curb your appetite.

Meats: There is no excuse for greasy burgers. You can get lean ground beef, ground turkey or chicken breast, and reduced fat sausages or hot dogs. Or get creative with lean pork, chicken, or beef on a shish-ka-bob with lots of veggies.

Chips: My fave is popchips. Not baked or fried, but popped! Seven yummy flavors with less fat and calories than regular chips.

Sides: Whole grain pasta salads (see this recipe), corn on the cob (use soft spread instead of butter), and Bush's Baked beans. Mmmmm.....

Nonalcoholic beverage: Tea. I love the cold brew Lipton tea. I can put a bag in just one glass and pour cold water over it. No boiling required! Or they have the pitcher sized bags to make a quick pitcher. Green and black tea both have great antioxidant benefits. I found a recipe for a Island Tea Breeze that is awesome (you can use light cranberry juice to cut back on calories in the recipe)! Tea has no calories by itself and can hydrate really well!

Alcoholic: Michelob Ultra light beer. It is low in calories and high in flavor with just 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carb. They have flavored beers like Lime Cactus, Orange Grapefruit, and Pomegranate Raspberry. Pour them into champagne glasses or a margarita glass with a lime or orange slice. You will be glad you saved yourself the calories from a margarita or daiquiri (can be 400-500 calories each!)

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