Healthy BBQ Survival Guide

I have several summer barbecue survival tips from Zone Delivery USA, to help you get through summer bbq season and still maintain a healthy eating lifestyle. I actually love summer foods because they tend to be lighter and healthier, at least at our house. Summer salads, grilled vegetables, fresh fruit salads all top my list of summer favorite foods, hopefully they make up for that occasional piece of strawberry pie!

Here is Zone Delivery USA’s healthy bbq survival guide:

• Load up on salad and veggies before your main course.
  • Grill veggies in aluminum foil and eat plenty of them.
  • While boiled vegetables lose many of their health benefits, grilled or steamed ones do not.
• Drinking a large glass of water before eating a meal will slow you down and help reduce caloric intake. It’s also important to stay hydrated in the summer heat!
• Remove the skin from chicken and turkey. Make sure you choose skinless ground meat for your burgers. Be sure to check the label, because if the package doesn’t say skinless then it’s guaranteed to be high in fat!
• If you’re indulging in alcohol, it’s important to watch your carbs. Try to eat a few bites of protein for every beer or glass of wine you drink.
• Don’t let the name “salad” fool you. Avoid potato and macaroni salads – they are loaded in saturated fats, carbs and starches.
• Use whole wheat buns, and try cutting the bun in half to even out your protein and carbohydrate ratio. You can also substitute pita bread for hot dog and burger buns.
• Use your hand to determine portion control:
  • Size of hand: Carbohydrates, very little starches
  • Size of palm: Protein including chicken, fish, beef, turkey, egg whites, low fat cheeses, tofu, etc.
  • Size of thumb: Fats and oils, nuts, avocado and olives
• Grilling is actually a low-fat way to prepare food, but the type of food you’re grilling makes a huge difference. Burgers are typical barbecue fare, but for the main dish, think fish.
  • Tuna and salmon are perfect for the grill, and are low in fat and packed with protein.
• Don’t deprive yourself – if you’re craving a cheeseburger, have one with half the bun, and stick with healthy sides like salad and grilled veggies.
• When you’re finished eating, get out and play! It will keep you from mindless munching, and it’s just as easy to chat during a game of horseshoes or bocce ball.

Zone Delivery USA provides balanced meals based on using a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% favorable fats.

Image via Zone Delivery USA