How to Eat Smart at
a Summer Barbecue

June 1, 2010

Barbecues are practically synonymous with summertime fun. But for some, "barbecue" also is synonymous with "stuffed." Eating too much of the wrong foods can leave you feeling regretful. This summer, opt for healthier fun by following
these tips:

Think first.
It's hard to make healthy choices when standing before a huge spread of yummy foods. Before the fun begins, think about the choices you'll make. Vow to choose the healthier options and to take it easy on anything that's loaded with
unwanted calories.

Keeping your good sense about you is more difficult when you're famished. If it's been hours since your last meal, grab a piece of fruit before the barbecue begins.

Make friends with foil.
Wrap almost anything in heavy-duty foil—raw veggies, meat, fish—and let the grill work its magic. The foil locks in moisture and nutrients, and eliminates the need for added butter or oil. Foil prevents sticky, charred grates and makes cleanup simple. You might not get those little brown marks on your food, but you will get a meal that's juicier and a grill that's easier to clean.

The best vegetables for grilling are ones high in water content, such as eggplant, peppers, zucchini, and summer squash. Wash and slice them first.
Foil is arguably the best way to grill fish—any fish. Most fish is fragile and flakes once it's cooked. Foil not only holds the fish together, but it also prevents half of your meal from falling through the grates.
Foil is ideal for grilling meat. For a complete meal on a stick, cut your meat into bite-size chunks (shrimp is ideal) and slide it on a kabob with veggies.

Start a revolution.
Used to be no barbecue was complete without a big bowl of mayonnaise-rich potato or macaroni salad. No more! Show your fellow barbecuers how delicious a healthier side can be.

Eat dessert you can feel good about.
A platter of colorful, fresh in-season fruit is the staple of any summer barbecue. And the watermelon seeds provide entertainment. (Who can spit them the farthest?) But with the grill nice and hot, why not try grilling your fruit? The heat brings out the natural sweetness. Place slices of pineapple on a medium-hot grate or in foil. Do the same with halved bananas. (Leave on the skin.) Brush both fruits with orange juice, honey, and cinnamon. Call it dessert. For another grilled fruit treat, check out this Fresh
Snack Idea.

Focus on the fun.
A successful barbecue is more than good food. Instead of watching (and snacking), step away from the table and join the volleyball game. If the music moves you, start moving to the music. Enjoy good people and good conversation.

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