Ok…so i don’t post this to make you sad about the summertime BBQ’s we all love. BUT I just want to make you aware. Knowledge is power right? With summertime comes the outdoor eats that are an American Pastime. But you may want to rethink the menu. Here are some BBQ nutrition facts…
- A grilled cheeseburger (4 ounces) weighs in at a hefty 14 grams of fat for 300 calories with a whopping 610 mg count of sodium.
- A hot dog (3.5 ounce) clocks in at 15 grams of fat, 240 calories and 480 grams of sodium.
- Sides of coleslaw (1/2 cup) have 11 grams of fat and 114 calories.
- Potato chips have 12 grams of fat per 1 ounce.
So now that you feel like I’ve destroyed all your favorite foods, don’t get too down. There are so many other great options that can make your summer eats delicious and nutritious.
- Marinate! The best way to infuse your meals with flavor is to spice up some lean meats with marinades and throw them on the grill.
- Instead of slathering too sweet barbeque sauce on everything, use citrus juices, broths, small amounts of good quality oils, vinegars, low sodium soy sauces, herbs and spices to marinate poultry, meat and seafood. Meats and poultry should marinate for at least 1 to 2 hours while fish and veggies need only 1 hour.
- Cook with lower fat cuts of beef, poultry and seafood. Swap that steak for salmon! Make a burger from lean ground beef mixed with some ground turkey to lower the fat content.
Grill lots of vegetables. Almost every vegetable can be grilled! All that you’ll need is a light marinade or a light brush of oil as you grill. - Prepare more fresh salads than mayonnaise drenched slaws and potato salads. Lighten creamy salads with lower fat mayonnaise and by substituting vinegars for the mayonnaise.
- Start your meal out with a fresh fruit or veggie tray so you don’t fill up on the more fattening foods!