We get excited about summer for a variety of reasons. The kids rejoice that school has ended; parents enjoy longer daylight hours so they can spend time with their family, and overall, the community loves to barbeque. The barbeque symbolizes a time of relaxation for most Americans, and assuredly this summer, Santa Claritans will join in the tradition. But what of the yearlong diets and calorie counting? The New Year’s resolutions of weight loss and healthy living? Well, before you throw up your hands in defeat and make a beeline for the potluck, consider a few ideas to ensure you are not completely disloyal to your beloved health plan!
First, avoid waiting until the barbeque to soothe your hunger pains: eat a fibrous snack, such as apple slices or a low-fat yogurt; this should quell your desire to scarf down on an enormous amount of potato chips and calorie-ridden dip as soon as you show up to the party. If you are requested by the host to bring a side dish, make an appetizer that is low in fat. Try a sliced fruit salad (sans any marshmallow additions!) or a spinach salad with vinegar and olive oil. Remember that salads are a typically a safe choice, but beware the salad toppings: switch the fried meats, cubed cheeses, and croutons on a bed of iceberg lettuce, for cut-up fruits, assorted vegetables, and perhaps grilled chicken atop leafy dark greens. Use a “light” dressing, and add some avocado slices, hummus, or sprinkle seeds for added flavor.
The major piece de resistance of a barbeque is the meat. If you are in charge of the actual barbeque, be sure to cook meats that are lean cuts, or prefer white-meat over dark-meat. Seafood is a great addition to any cookout, so feast away on grilled shrimp and salmon. Don’t be afraid of vegetarian substitutes either; these healthy supplements are a great way to enjoy food without the added baggage of calories.
Drinks are a major factor at barbeques as well. Although drinking alcohol is commonly a “given” at many barbeques, if you are trying to maintain your weight, it is important to practice moderation with all types of drinks. It is suggested that partygoers limit themselves to one alcoholic beverage a day, because one drink can carry around 120 to 145 calories. A good alternative is sparkling water with a twist of lime. Sodas, another drink of choice at these functions, should also be had in moderation, but fruit juice is sneaky because it appears to be healthy; after all, it’s called fruit juice, right? Well, to be on the safe side, stick to eating fruit rather than drinking it — this way you nix the additional sugar, and gain the fiber from the skin of the fruit. Another overarching principle is to stick to small portion sizes. By using a smaller plate, you are already ensuring fewer calories.
During this summer, enjoy the fun, friends, and food. But remember that Labor Day is just around the corner, so if you are not planning on completely ditching your diet and you want to look great in that end of the summer dress, stick to these helpful tips and enjoy your community barbeques in the SCV in a healthy fashion!