1. Barbeque Appetizers
The first challenge you are likely to face is the appetizer table. Creamy dips, crunchy fried morsels, and salty crispy snacks abound. And so do the calories. Worse yet, they are so easy to pop in your mouth that you can consume an over-abundance of calories before the real eating even begins. When you find yourself hovering over the appetizer tray, or penciling in your ideas for appetizers at your next event, remember which appetizers are winners, and which to avoid like the plague.
Try to avoid:
- Creamy dips
- Fried finger foods
- Guacamole dip
- Mini sausages/hot dogs
- Salty Chips
Opt For:
- Cruncy fresh veggies
- Salsas made with fresh produce
- Baked bagged chips or homemade pita chips
- Dips and spreads made from low calorie ingredients
- Pretzels
2. Barbeque Grilled Items
Usually at a barbeque, the main event is a grilled meat item of some sort. Luckily, grilling is a relatively low calorie method of cooking as it allows drippings to flow away from the food, and usually does not call for much added fat. However, if you have a choice as to which grilled item to plate up, keep this in mind to keep your calorie intake low.
Avoid:
- Fat-laden sausages and hot dogs
- Burgers with cheese (unless made with extra-lean meat)
- Fatty or bacon-wrapped steaks
- Spareribs
Include:
- Marinated Chicken or Turkey Breast (without the skin)
- Fresh Fish
- Steak from a lean cut of beef
- Pork Tenderloin
- Grilled Veggies of all kinds (grilled eggplant is delicious!)
3. Barbeque Salads
An array of creative salads are likely to be served along with your tasty barbeque morsels. While we generally think of salads as a low calorie synonym, fatty dressing, mayonnaise, bacon, processed sausages, and cheese are just a few of the ingredients that can make a salad quite the opposite of a low calorie side dish. Instead, take advantage of those low calorie, fresh summer vegetables and fruits. If you are sticking with a trusted recipe that drips in dressing, substitute a light version of your favorite dressing, mayonnaise, or light vinaigrette, or try serving those fruits and veggies plain. Afterall, who doesn't like a huge bowl of fresh, sweet fruit?
4. Barbeque Desserts
End the barbeque with dessert. And yes, dessert can be a tricky one. Cold ice cream, fudgey brownies, and gooey cookies are just a few of the regulars that show up at your typical summer barbeque. However, they will not show up on a list of trusted low calorie dessert choices. While there are many recipes, which cut the fat and calories, for these traditional options, you may choose to serve up something that you can count on to meet your low calorie needs.
Include:
- Wedges of Fresh Watermelon
- Homemade ice milk (ice cream's lower fat cousin)
- A Fresh summer fruit medley
- Low calorie gelatin dessert
