3 Healthy Tips For Your Fourth of July BBQ

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Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to plan pool parties, rooftop roundups and barbecue bashes.

One of the best things about the Fourth of July is getting together with friends, family and strangers to chow down and celebrate our independence.

So what do you do if you don’t want to feel overstuffed by the time fireworks start? Although it’s tempting to eat every single thing in sight, here are 3 tips on how to eat more nutritiously at a July 4th barbecue.

1. Replace bread with lettuce

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If you’re avoiding carbs, try replacing a hot dog bun, hamburger bun, tortilla or dinner roll with lettuce. This could allow you to eat more without all that bread sitting in your stomach. It’s also a great way to get some greens in if you don’t normally eat them.

2. DIY chips

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A bag of veggie chips from the grocery store just isn’t as delicious as baking your own veggies. DIY veggie chips are easy to make and a guilt-free way of snacking on chips. Slice up: zucchinis, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes and kale. I like baking the veggies one at a time so they’re not all mixed on the same tray, but you do you. Toss them onto a pan with some olive oil, salt and pepper (try adding a sprinkle of chili powder if you want a hint of heat). Pop the tray into the oven at 350 degrees for about 13-15 minutes, or for however long depending on how crunchy you want your chips. If you normally don’t eat many veggies, this is one way you can get some into your stomach. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch of a “regular” chip.

3. Freeze fruit

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Have you ever sliced up bananas and stuck them in the freezer? They’re my favorite snack when I’m feeling like ice cream but know I’ve already had too many scoops for the day. For a sweeter treat, you can dunk them in chocolate before freezing them. For a salty twist, try drizzling peanut, almond or sunflower butter on them. You can also freeze grapes and berries (and stick them in your wine for a pretty and refreshing drink).

Remember, standing in front of a buffet table doesn’t mean you need to eat as much as you can possibly stomach. Just like in any fitness class, you can make modifications on what you add to your plate. Now get out there and fill up your tummy with something yummy.

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