2. Get those Veggies on the Grill
When firing up the grill, BBQ ribs and marinated
steaks may be the first things that come to
mind, but don’t forget to pair them with colorful
veggies!
asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, onions, peppers,
broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts,
mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Pro Tip: Grill extra veggies to add to other meal
throughout the week!
3. Carbohydrates
Are not bad for you!
Are our preferred/most convenient form of
energy
Excess carbohydrates are stored as fat.
Make half your grains whole grain.
Ex: potatoes, sweet potatoes, oats, whole
grain bread/pasta, quinoa, chickpeas, beans,
peas, brown rice, fruit, corn
Limit refined/sugary carbs
Ex: white bread/pasta, baked goods/pastries,
candies, cakes, syrups, juices, chips
4. Protein
Regulates blood sugar
Makes you feel full longer
Assists with burning more calories
throughout the day
Muscle burns fat!
Choose lean sources
6. Healthy Fats
Needed for synthesizing fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Important for eye health, bone health,
skin health
Examples of fat choices:
Nuts
Seeds
Nut butters
Olive oil
Avocado
Avocado oil
Sesame oil
Butter (in moderation)
Dairy and meats may contain some fat
7. Hydration
Drink water instead of lemonade,
sweetened iced tea and soft drinks
Water doesn’t have to be boring
Add herbs, sliced cucumbers or sliced fruit
such as oranges, strawberries, peaches,
nectarines or pineapple
Add sugar free flavoring
9. Plate Portioning
Use a smaller plate or bowl
Portion out your food from
the bag or box instead of
eating from the bag or box
Guess your portion size using
the hand method
12. Practice Mindful Eating
Pay attention to your food
as you’re eating
When you’re halfway
through your meal, pause
to see if you’re full.
It typically takes 20
minutes for your brain to
catch up with your body.
13. Get Moving
When the main event at the barbeque is
food, it can make it easier to overeat
In addition to food, have some board games
or outside games like corn hole, kickball,
volleyball or badminton available. Invite
everyone to go for a walk around the
neighborhood or a local park.
Enjoy not only the food, but also the
company!
14. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
breasts
1 ¼ cup BBQ Sauce
½ cup light Italian dressing
2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 TBSP garlic powder
1 TBSP onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick spray
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder and place in bottom of crockpot
3. In medium bowl, add BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce and pour
over chicken
4. Place lid on crockpot and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours
5. Shred chicken once fully cooked and leave chicken in crockpot for another couple minute to soak up
extra juice
6. Enjoy
15. Watermelon Feta Salad
½ seedless watermelon
4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
½ cup basil leaves (about 10)
2-4 TBSP Balsamic Glaze
1. Cut watermelon into one-inch cubes. Cut basil
leaves cut into chiffonade ribbons
2. In a large bowl or platter, arrange watermelon.
Sprinkle with feta cheese and basil
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top of the salad
16. Cowboy Caviar
6 roma tomatoes seeded and diced
15 ounce canned yellow corn drained
15 ounce canned black beans drained and rinsed
2 avocados peeled, seeded and diced
1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
1 orange bell pepper seeded and diced
1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced
½ cup red onion finely diced
½ cup sweet yellow onion finely diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
4 tablespoons lime juice
½ cup Light Italian dressing
SALAD
Using a large mixing bowl, add the diced tomatoes, canned corn, canned black
beans, diced avocados, bell peppers, jalapeno, finely diced onions, chopped fresh
cilantro, fresh minced garlic and lime juice. Stir just until all the ingredients are
evenly combined.
DRESSING
Using a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar,
sugar, kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, until well incorporated.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Stir just until well incorporated.
17. For more tricks and tips, check out these
articles:
https://takecare.milfordregional.org/2015/06/01/10-tips-for-a-healthy-summer-bbq/
https://nutritionhealthworks.com/nutrition-blog/tips-eating-well-summer-barbeques/
https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/blog/nutrition-education-tips-for-a-tasty-and-healthy-
summer-bbq/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mindful-eating-guide