Summers here and so is the perfect weather for BBQ's .
While they're a great opportunity to kick back with the family and mates they can also easily help you go either way on the scales, did you know that the average barbecue meal exceeds 1500 calories? That's almost an entire day's worth of calories in one meal. Never mind the seconds!..
That type of eating will do some serious damage to your waist over the course of the summer.
The good news is that barbecue season doesn't have to be fattening. In fact, with a few small changes to your barbecue menu, you can turn summer into the perfect opportunity for weight loss.
So before you slather on the sunscreen and fire up the barbie, read the following tips to BBQ your way lean this summer.
On the Grill: Believe it or not, grilling is actually a very healthy way to cook meat. Of course the type of meat that you choose will make all of the difference. Burgers and hot dogs are traditional barbecue meats, but they aren't the healthiest. Try the following:
- Choose lean cuts of beef, pork or poultry
- Flavour with herbs
- Marinade with low fat dressing
- Make hamburgers with extra-lean ground beef
- Take the skin off chicken before grilling
- Grill up salmon or barra
Side Dishes: This is where most people run into trouble. Barbecue side dishes are typically filled with loads of fat. Creamy coleslaw and potato salads can hold as much as 15 grams of fat per serving. Try the following instead:
- Make veggie (or veggie rich) kababs and grill them
- Grill bok choy (You can find the recipe on this blog)
- Replace the mayo in your salads with low-fat mayo and reduce the amount used
- Serve fresh salad with light vinaigrette
- Try a whole-grain macaroni for your pasta salad
- Grill up corn on the cob (pass on the butter)
- Put out a veggie stick tray with low fat dip
Drinks: Most people don't realize that beverages play a big role in summer weight gain. Margaritas, beer, soft drinks and punch all contain lots of empty calories. Try the following:
- Drink water first, it is always your healthiest option. So alternate it in with your other drinks
- Stick with a lower carb beer
- If you have to have a soft drink stick with diet and limit yourself to one can
- Try Vodka Lime Soda if you're going for Spirits
- Brew unsweetened iced green tea and serve with lemon
Dessert: Yes, there are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting lean. Think outside of the box instead of turning to the typical fattening options like ice cream, pie, cake or cookies. Try the following:
- Grill mango, banana and pineapple on kababs
- Stick with a sorbet or lighter plain ice cream instead of ice cream
- Replace a peach pie with grilled peach halves
Remember, it's ok to cut loose every once in a while. Enjoy yourself. Just keep in mind that by taking a few of the above suggestions you can enjoy great food while getting back into great shape.
Want to shape up even more this summer? Call or
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today to get started on a fitness program specifically designed to get you into your best shape ever.
Gary
