23 Jun Making Healthy Choices During Summer Barbecue Season

Making Healthy Choices During Summer Barbecue Season

Eating healthy in general can be difficult, but it can be even more difficult when you’re trying to eat healthy and attending a barbeque. Americans loves to barbecue, and with foods like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, steak, pulled pork, and all the tasty items on the menu, making a healthy choice at a barbecue can seem near impossible. Although all these choices taste great, they are not good for you and it is important to remember that eating healthy not only makes you look good, but can make you feel good too.

While attending a barbeque or going to a barbeque restaurant, load up your plate with vegetable based dishes such as grilled peppers, eggplant, and zucchini or a salad. Focusing on lean meats such as turkey or white-meat chicken is also a good idea. Think high fiber, high protein when serving yourself. If you want to try some of the more indulgent dishes such as a brisket or pulled pork dish, sticking to the recommended serving size or smaller will allow you to participate without losing track of your health goals. If you are hosting a barbecue, it is recommended that you seek out a vinegar-based sauce if you plan on serving a barbecue sauce based dish, as it’s much easier on the body than is a regular barbecue sauce.

Considering barbecue food tends to be fried, covered in sauce, or just contains a lot of fat, having a lot of it can be bad for your body’s long-term health and physique. By eating healthy, you can improve your overall health and even decrease your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other similar diseases. It is also said that eating healthy can improve your mood and even make you more productive. Eating healthy is very beneficial and does even more that what was previously mentioned. White-meat chicken, smoked turkey, and baked beans are great sources for protein without the negative consequences of too much fat, which is usually an issue when trying to eat meat.

Also, staying active at the barbecue will help burn some extra calories from any indulgences you may partake in. Whether it be swimming, sports, dancing, or a walk with friends around the block, staying active will keep you in a healthy mindset for the remainder of the party and for life. Keeping to your goals during barbecue season is made easy with these few small tips. Not only will you feel more in control but you will be continuing your path to a healthier, happier life.