Written by Erin Heide – Front Door Fitness Personal Trainer
This weekend is the kickoff of summer and that means BBQs! Grilling, and all the yummy sides, can be full of fresh and healthy foods, or it can leave us full of unhealthy fats, processed foods, and “hungover” the next day. If you want to feel your best, follow these simple BBQ tips for the healthiest you!
Choose the right meat.
If you have a choice, choose grilled chicken, lean turkey burger, or very lean hamburger (93% lean). You will get a great protein pump without all the calories and fat (especially saturated fat) of the fatty burgers and brats.
Don’t fill up on bread.
Stay away from rolls and buns. Generally, these are made with refined, white flour anyway, so they can pack in the calories without providing an ounce of nutrition…just say no.
Fill up on veggies.
They are low calorie, fiber-filled, and nutrient packed. I always bring a side of veggies to every BBQ so I can count on having a healthy option!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit salad.
Again, it’s nutrient packed and much lower in calories than the typical baked goods.
Only eat what you really want to eat.
If you LOVE baked beans, have a little bit…not a bucket full. Get a nice little taste (like ¼ cup), and be satisfied. If it’s brats that you drool over, have half and call it a day.
Watch what you are sipping.
Alcohol typically = more food consumption. So, choose light beers, wine, or hard liquor with calorie free mixers. And do the every-other-drink rule: water, alcohol, water, alcohol, etc.
Schedule a sweat session.
Schedule a workout the morning after. That’s right, make a workout appointment with your Front Door Fitness personal trainer or friends who won’t let you slack off!
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!!
