5 Things: Ways to Slim Down Your BBQ
Since it's so hot out, my family grills just about every night (I wouldn't dare turn on the oven). If you're like me, eating tons of burgers and hot dogs every night wouldn't make you feel too good. Here are some ways to keep your BBQs healthy.
- Make real guacamole (made with avocados) instead of creamy dips. Avocados offer you the healthy fats your body needs, which is a much better option than the saturated fats found in dairy-based dips.
- Grill veggies. Use a grill basket, corn holders, or make shish kebabs. Brush veggies with a little olive oil and the warm, savory flavor is really satisfying. I especially love grilled peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, and eggplant. Be sure to fill your plate with a variety of them.
- Instead of beef, choose veggie burgers and hot dogs. They're made with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, so they're loaded with protein and fiber rather than artery-clogging cholesterol.
- Eat buns made with whole grains not enriched flour.
- Make substitutions when it comes the fixings on your burgers. Choose raw tomato instead of ketchup, low-fat cheese instead of the full-fat kind, and try plain yogurt instead of mayo.
